HALE has been named one of the best places to live in Britain by The Sunday Times.

The village is one of 12 North West locations to make the Best Places to Live in Britain list, compiled by The Sunday Times.

The survey was based on data including crime rates, house prices and school performance, as well as the opinions of Sunday Times writers on the places they feel offer the best quality of life.

Hale ranked number five in the North West category, behind Cartmel, Chester, Chorlton-Cum-Hardy and Crosby.

Praising Hale's inclusion, the Sunday Times said: "People are queuing up to breath the same air as the footballers and Corrie stars who live in the gated villas of Alderley Edge and Wilmslow but the equally attractive and slightly more down-to-earth enclave of Hale gets our vote.

“Only nine miles south of Manchester, it has a definite village atmosphere, great schools and handy transport links.

“On a good day, you can be in the departure lounge in twenty minutes – yet it’s not under the flight path.”

Simon Rimmer’s Earle restaurant, Carluccio’s and Dunham Massey are also namechecked. A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “We are delighted to see Hale named in the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live’.’ Hale village is a close knit community with a thriving local economy and a great place to live with high quality houses, good schools and close proximity to attractive green spaces.”

Denise Laver, from Hale Civic Society, agreed that Hale’s attractiveness is due largely to its location.

“When the rail line was built and the mill owners and factory owners starting coming out on the train they saw what a nice area Hale was and settled their families here – guide books from that time talked about how well situated it was and how clean the air was,” said Denise.

“We all work together and enjoy living in the area, it’s not just the wealthy who live here, it is a real, interesting mix of people and I think it’s a good community.”

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live in Britain Part 2 featured the 50 best locations to live, with Winchester clinching first place.