RESIDENTS in Allendale are celebrating after the village was named as one of the best places to live in the country.

The village was among ten locations in the North to be named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, which was published at the weekend.

Judging involved assessing a wide range of factors, from employment and schools to broadband speed and community spirit, while judges also use statistics such as house prices and their own, on-the-ground experience to make their decision.

The Sunday Times was full of praise for the village’s range of local clubs, the folk festival, and May Fair, as well as the village’s three pubs and surrounding countryside, from rivers to heather moors.

Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor said: “Finding our very own best place to live now feels more important than ever, for our well-being and wealth, happiness and health.

“The Sunday Times has championed 101 locations across the UK.

“This year we were looking for community spirit along with convenience and culture.

“There is so much going on around the country, and so many great places that the choice was a hard one.”

The news was welcomed in Allendale, not least by county councillor Colin Horncastle, who represents the village.

Coun. Horncastle said: “Obviously I’m pleased. I’ve lived here all my life. I was born here, lived here, and educated here, so I’m a little biased.

“It’s good for business and to attract more people here.

“For a small village, we have a wonderful range of services, shops, pubs, places of interest, and excellent schools.”