Maldon district has slipped down the list for the best places to live in Great Britain.

But on the plus side, it was one of only two Essex districts to be in the top 50 and is the sunniest place in Essex, with an average annual rainfall of 552mm.

The Halifax Rural Areas Quality of Life Survey tracks where living standards are highest by looking at employment, the housing market, environment, crime, education and health.

The survey examines all 119 rural councils and information is collected from sources including Halifax, government departments and the Met Office.

Uttlesford topped the list this year, pushing last year’s winner Waverley into third place.

* See Thursday's paper for readers' reactions