MAIDSTONE has been named as a top value-for-money town, for people looking to live the good life, without breaking the bank.

The County Town has been ranked second in an "Affordable Affluence" survey, commissioned by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The survey looked at which towns offered elements of an affluent lifestyle at the most affordable prices.

Maidstone’s leisure facilities, a mix of independent shops and big name retailers, a wide choice of restaurants and high-performing schools were named as reasons for the top ranking.

Other factors included the town’s proximity to attractive areas, such as Leeds Castle and the picturesque villages of The Weald.

The survey also found the average family in Maidstone enjoyed a high income to property price ratio, with residents earning £40,000 on average, with the average property priced at around £241,000.

Beverley in the East Riding area of Yorkshire was ranked first in the survey and Chester came third. Canterbury was placed at number 11 in the survey.