Best rural places to live are revealed

COUNTRY IDYLL: Hambleton, which takes in Thirsk, Easingwold, Northallerton and Bedale, is the best rural place to live in Yorkshire and the fourth best in the UK, according to a Halifax survey. Ryedale, Richmond, Craven and Selby aalso featured in the top 50. Hambleton residents appear to be happier and less anxious than in many other parts of the UK, according to the study. The area is said to have an employment rate significantly above the national average, more than 95 per cent of adults rate themselves in good health and men and women live, on average, into their 80s. Property prices reflect its popularity.