With its picturesque villages and sprawling countryside, a leafy part of the county has been named as one of the most desirable places to live in the UK.

Mid Sussex, home to the Hurstpierpoint, Cuckfield and Balcombe, has been ranked ninth in a list of the top 50 rural areas with the best quality of life in Britain.

The survey, compiled by Halifax, was based on factors including health, personal wellbeing, crime rates, weather, employment, school results, broadband access and life expectancy.

The region, which boasts attractions like Nymans Gardens, the Bluebell Railway and Wakehurst Place, was the only area of Sussex to be named in the list, topped by Uttlesford in Essex.

Jo Roche, of The Cuckfield Society, said Mid Sussex was blessed by its location, historic villages and forward thinking.

She said: “Cuckfield in particular, although over 900 years old, has a strong sense of community, whether you are a resident from birth or a newcomer.

“Our local businesses are thriving and we are now a destination for shoppers, diners and tourists.

“When I walk into the village on a sunny day, I sometimes see it through the eyes of a visitor and realise just how lucky I am to live here.”

Councillor Garry Wall, leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said: “It’s always nice to be recognised in surveys like this but the results simply confirm what local people already know – that Mid Sussex is an excellent place to live.

“We are blessed in this beautiful district with low crime rates, high levels of employment and excellent public green spaces.”

Earlier this year, Lewes and Rye were found to be among the best towns in the country to live in by the Sunday Times.