RETIRED people in Sussex are getting the best quality of life in the country, according to a study.

Researchers looked at a range of information including disability-free life expectancy, access to healthcare, crime levels, pensioner populations, healthy lifestyles and the weather to make the findings.

They used figures from the Office for National Statistics and the Met Office to come up with a top ten of places to live.

West Sussex topped the list while East Sussex came in at number three.

Dorset, Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk also featured.

With Fishbourne Roman Palace and Arundel Castle within its boundaries, West Sussex attracts particularly high numbers of pensioners.

It also enjoys strong rankings for good weather and disability-free life expectancy.

West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith said: “We all know that West Sussex is one of the best places to live and it is great this has been recognised.

“The county has got absolutely everything going for it for retired people – especially for quality of life and healthy lifestyles.

“There is plenty of outdoor living to enjoy such as walks along the beach or South Downs, wonderful villages and so much history.

“There is increasing longevity and many people are already retiring to West Sussex.

“While that brings many bonuses for our county, there are issues we need to be aware of including the care of our older population.

“We are continuing to work hard to support and provide the services our older population need now and will need in the years ahead.”

Pensions and insurance company Prudential carried out the research.

Retirement income expert Stan Russell said: “There are now 10.6 million people aged 65 or over in England and Wales.

“This a million more than five years ago and accounts for nearly one in five of the total population.

“So deciding on the right place to retire to is a challenge faced by a huge number of people each year.

“Our analysis shows that every part of the country has something different to offer pensioners, but the counties with the most attractive attributes tend to be along the southern and eastern coasts of England.

“Counties like West Sussex and Dorset may be attractive because of their low crime rates or the quality of their health care.

“However finding the right spot to live in such popular locations can be tricky.”

Prudential said Surrey had the highest average pension income at £21,400.

This is nearly a third higher than the average in England and Wales.