A seaside town used as a filming location for movies and series has been ranked the coolest place to live in Kent.

Broadstairs came out on top following a study carried out by well-being brand Naturecan - which based its rankings on factors like how "Instagrammable" areas are and the number of independent shops they have.

The company praised the town for its "long, wide sandy beach lined with pretty, colourful beach huts and sheltered by low chalk cliffs".

The fact Sam Mendes-directed picture Empire of Light, which starred Olivia Colman, featured scenes shot in the town also contributed to its "cool" status.

A spokesman for Naturecan said: "Broadstairs has a nostalgic feel with a mix of retro and more stylish shops, cafés, and restaurants as well as art galleries."

The town was ranked 20th in the country overall.

Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Aylesford and Herne Bay also featured in the top 50.

In all, Naturecan polled 5,000 people during its study and analysed likes on Instagram for each location.

The firm's chief executive, Andy Duckworth, added: "All the 50 places on the list would have been worthy winners and show why the UK and Kent in particular are such beautiful places, loved by painters, film makers and tourists from all over the world.

"What is interesting is how influential Instagram has become in boosting tourism in many of our top 50.

"Hidden gems which are largely only visited by local tourists can find themselves being showcased throughout the world if they are pictured by the right influencer or featured in a movie."

Recently Botany Bay in the town was ranked the 10th best winter walk in the UK.

Last year, Cliftonville in the neighbouring town of Margate was named the 8th coolest place to visit in the world by Time Out magazine.

Naturecan ranked Polperro in Cornwall as the coolest place to live in the UK.