RAMSBOTTOM has been named one of Britain’s best places to live.

The town was one of 12 North West locations featured in The Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live in Britain’ guide.

The broadsheet newspaper’s supplement assesses a wide range of factors, from jobs, exam results and broadband speed to culture, community spirit and local shops in order to compile the definitive top locations to make your home.

Ramsbottom councillor Ian Bevan said the announcement was “brilliant news” and good that the town is being recognised.

“We have got a thriving town centre with a lot of independent businesses, which offers something different to visitors.

“There are lots of great cafes, restaurants and bars, and of course we have some stunning scenery. There are the hills surrounding Ramsbottom and green fields, so lots of places to go for a lovely walk. The people are fantastic in Ramsbottom and very friendly. It is a traditional town where people know each other, and people who come to the town often comment that the people are so friendly.”

He said he wished to thank the Ramsbottom Business Group for their dedication and hard work in the town, organising festivals like the Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival. “We are lucky that we have such dedicated business owners in the town centre who put events like this on,” added Cllr Bevan.