Monmouth has been named the third best place to live in the UK.

The Sunday Times's '101 Best Places To Live' supplement called it a "charming and attractive market town, which has good transport links and high-performing schools."

Skipton in North Yorkshire took top spot for its combination of low crime rates, 'top class' schools, great transport links, a 'buzzing' high street and beautiful surrounding countryside.

Second in the list was Newnham, a district in the city of Cambridge, which was praised for offering "country living in the heart of Cambridge."

Seaside town Falmouth in Cornwall took fourth spot for combining its traditional attractions of sea views, beaches and countryside with a newly earned reputation as a cultural hub, while Abergavenny also featured in the top 101.

Sunday Times home editor Helen Davies said: "The four places we have selected demonstrate the range of fantastic places there are to live across Britain.

"Skipton is a worthy winner for this year but each place featured deserves its spot on the list."

The guide combines data and statistics such as crime rates, house prices and school performance with the local knowledge and expertise of Sunday Times writers to compile the definitive top 101 best locations to make your home.

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

Part two of the guide is published with The Sunday Times on Sunday 23rd March and will focus on an A-Z of Britain's cities, as well as guides to the best places to live if you want to be near good schools or the great outdoors.

The Sunday Times has also launched a digital quiz to help users narrow down their own best place to live: http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/bestplacesquiz">www.sunday-times.co.uk/bestplacesquiz

Mike Morgan, owner of Llansantffraed Court Hotel, said: "With its traditional market town charm, superior eateries and national heritage sites, Monmouth really is a fantastic place to live so I am delighted that it has been formerly recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the best destinations in Britain."