Falmouth has been named as the best place to live in the South West - a declaration that comes as no surprise to those who already live and work here.

The town has topped the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Live list in what is seen as a glowing accolade. Fifteen south west locations have been named among the Best Places to Live in Britain by The Sunday Times, with Falmouth being crowned as the Best Place to Live in the region.

The locations were selected for offering the best quality of life to the widest number of people, combining desirable features such as a positive community spirit, engaging festivals, good local shops and services, and attractive outdoor spaces.

The annual in-depth lists also combine data and statistics such as house prices, crime rates and school performance, aligned with the local knowledge and expertise of Sunday Times writers to compile the definitive top locations in the UK.

Commenting on the recognition, Richard Wilcox Falmouth BID manager, and Richard Gates Falmouth town manager, who oversee Falmouth’s Town Team, said: “This is tremendous news as The Best Places to Live listings are not only highly regarded but comprehensively researched. And it’s a real testament to the special community that we have here, one that fosters a real pride of place.

"As a Town Team we’re very fortunate to work not only in an extremely beautiful location but also within a proactive environment where so many individuals and organisations are willing to pull together, volunteer to support events and activity, engage in town improvement schemes and more. Add into that mix a wonderful coastline, diverse and eclectic business sector, award-winning beaches, parks and gardens, and it makes for Falmouth being a very special town to live in or indeed visit.”

Falmouth's mayor, John Body agreed, adding: “I am immensely proud of my town, Falmouth truly is a wonderful and vibrant place to live and work. Our environment and townscape is recognised nationally of being of high quality and we receive accolades for the way in which the town council engages with its residents and consults with them. There is a tangible sense of community spirit here.”

Dave Yelland, from Falmouth Bay Residents Association, said: ”Falmouth is a cosmopolitan little town which uniquely combines beautiful visitor attractions with modern marine industries, two thriving universities, an enviable maritime heritage and a year-round programme of festivals and cultural activities. All this contributes to an active community and can-do spirit making Falmouth the place where everyone wants to be and no-one wants to leave.”

Commenting on The Sunday Times Best Places to Live, home editor Helen Davies, said: "Each place truly deserves its inclusion on the list, as we carefully consider each one, combining key statistics with our writers’ informed knowledge to produce a truly authoritative guide.”