Rutland has been cited as one of the best places to live in the Midlands.

The county has makes a shortlist of eight towns in the region, in the annual survey undertaken by the Sunday Times newspaper.

The Best Places to Live Survey 2021 has named Stamford as the best place in the Midlands, as reported by Nub News.

The newspaper reported: "England's smallest county may have lost the battle to remain a McFlurry-free zone when a drive-in branch of McDonald's opened on the Oakham bypass last November, but it has won the war when it comes to ploughing its own delightful furrow.

"All rolling green fields and pretty villages, it's every bit as charming as the Cotswolds, but a good deal less smug about it (and far cheaper, too): in short, the perfect option for country-style family living, within reach of London and the cities of the Midlands.

"The twin market towns of Oakham and Uppingham remain the friendly, defiantly independent hubs they've always been. They are happy reminders of the days when "small town" wasn't an insult and the butcher and baker knew your name"

The Sunday Times's expert judges behind the guide assess a wide range of factors, from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

They look for improving towns, villages or city centres, for attractive, well designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit - which the pandemic has shown to be the most vital quality of all.

Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said: "This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings. With working from home now common, it's no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.

"Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn't been a year for big cities or small villages. Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected."

Last year Uppingham was named as the best place to live in the Midlands in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live.