Homeowners in west Kent can be forgiven for feeling a little smug with their choice of residence, after the area came up tops in a chart of best places to live in Britain.

Halifax’s Quality of Life survey for 2014 pitched Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling and Sevenoaks among the country’s most 50 sought-after addresses.

The report, the ninth the bank has produced, uses criteria such as crime and employment rates, income, how affordable housing is, congestion, mental and physical health of residents and even sunshine hours.

Maidstone was ranked 44th - up 47 places from last year.

“I think this reflects the fact that we have a rich blend of vibrant villages coupled with very beautiful countryside" - Nicolas Heslop, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

Sevenoaks placed the best in Kent, in 14th, while Tunbridge Wells followed in 31st place and Tonbridge and Malling in 42nd. The only other Kent area to feature in the line-up was Ashford at 38.

The district of Hart in the north-east corner of Hampshire has been crowned as the place with the best quality of life in the UK for the fourth year in a row.

Nicolas Heslop, leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said good schools, transport links to London and leisure facilities played a part in the borough’s placing.

He added: “I think this reflects the fact that we have a rich blend of vibrant villages coupled with very beautiful countryside.

"I remain committed to working hard to deliver improvements in the area, to enhance the quality of life in Tonbridge and Malling for all residents and visitors.”

But leader of Tunbridge Wells council, Cllr David Jukes, laid down the challenge for 2015. He said: “I am pleased that Tunbridge Wells remains in the Halifax list. We’ve always been in the top 50 - watch this space next year.”

Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Cllr Annabelle Blackmore cited several reasons making Maidstone a good place to live.

Last year Mote Park was named the nation’s second favourite and the Kent Institute of Medicine and Surgery opened, creating 350 jobs.