Additional reporting by Finn Macdiarmid

A Kent town has been named as one of the best places to live in the south east.

Sevenoaks has been recognised in this year’s annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

The town, which is located in west Kent, was described by judges as having a “buzzy community” and a “beautiful” surrounding countryside.

Prilla Coole has lived in the area her whole life and used to own a gift shop in the high street.

The 90-year-old, who is currently living in Shoreham, said: “Sevenoaks is a lovely town to visit.

“People enjoy just walking around and Knole Park is just down the road. There are lots of lovely places around.

“I would like more independent shops to open up here though.”

Her friend Caroline Buck, who lives in Tonbridge but has always worked in the town said: “I work in a dress shop here on a Saturday and you do notice a lot of people come from places like Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells because we’re different.

“They like the coffee shops, the restaurants, and the shops we’ve got here.

“But a lot of the independent shops have gone, there are a lot of chains in the town now but that’s happening everywhere.”

Steven Rose was born in the town and has lived in it ever since.

The 65-year-old says the location is “fantastic” and offers good transport links to London.

He explained: “It is one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

“You’re within striking distance of London which is why it’s such a dormitory town. It’s also close to the coast and there’s a fair amount of work here.”

However, he says the area is “rather insular”.

“You can live here for quite a long time and realise there’s not a great community spirit here,” he added.

“As a town, it lacks a dynamic compared to places like Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.”

David and Margaret White, who have been married for 55 years, love the “traditional town” because of the independent shops, restaurants, and walks it has to offer.

David said: “We feel very comfortable here and have lived here for a very long time.

“But, there is an endless stream of traffic which needs to be sorted out.”

The Sunday Times guide, which is sponsored by Halifax, was published today (March 21) and includes 72 locations across the UK.

Petersfield in Hampshire was at the top of the list for the south east followed by Amersham in Buckinghamshire and Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire.

Sevenoaks was ninth on the list for the region.

Best Places to Live editor Helen Davies said: “What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there.

“That means we can see what people really love about the places they live.

“That could be anything from exceptional schools and fast trains to beautiful houses and countryside.

“The health of the high street is important, but more than anything else, what we are looking for are towns, villages and cities with strong communities who work hard to make the best of where they live, and play hard too.

“We also consider affordability. High house prices are no barrier to inclusion - as long as they provide value for money.

“Different people will be looking for different qualities when they are choosing a place to live.

“One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”