BROADSTAIRS has been named as one of the top resorts in the UK. The town is runner-up to Cornish culture capital St Ives in a poll carried out by the Guardian news group.

A star-studded panel of judges, including writer Bill Bryson, celebrity chef Rick Stein and poet John Betjeman’s daughter, Candida Lycett Green, reached the decision after debating the pros and cons of 12 shortlisted coastal towns and cities from across Britain and Ireland.

Broadstairs, home of Victorian novelist Charles Dickens who described it as "our favourite watering hole", beat traditional favourites like Brighton and Blackpool.

Judges were impressed with the town’s "four delightful beaches, old-fashioned sensibilities, exquisite ice-cream shop (Morelli’s Parlour) and eccentric Punch and Judy.

The final seaside town shortlist was drawn up from the many glowing citations sent in by Guardian readers following an appeal for nominations in June.

The winners feature in the new Guardian Guide to the Seaside, published on Saturday.