Two towns in Kent that have seen dramatic changes in recent years have been rated among the best "gentrified" seaside spots in the UK.

Whitstable bagged third place in the list compiled by the Daily Telegraph, while Margate was ranked seventh.

The newspaper chose classic resorts and studied how they have adapted over the past three decades - looking at factors such as housing and high streets, renovations and conservation.

The team also considered "the cultural clout that so often accompanies gentrification".

Writing about Whitstable, it said: "Once known for the oyster beds that supplied the capital’s restaurants, this still-quaint outpost is now the sort of place equity-enriched Londoners come to suck on salty shellfish and sip prosecco for the day before returning to the city."

The newspaper also highlights the new South Quay Shed development at the harbour and the "long, rambling high street" full of boutiques and "cool restaurants", including Wheelers.

KentOnline has previously reported how not everyone is happy with the changes seen in recent years.

Last year, Cafe Rio, the town's “last proper greasy spoon”, shut to make way for a new 150-seat restaurant and critics claimed it symbolised the "gentrification of Whitstable".

When it came to Margate, the Telegraph said the opening of Turner Contempory is often seen as a "watershed moment" for the town's regeneration.

"But exorbitant house prices in London before then played into a mini-exodus of artists to a resort famous for its sunlight and its cheap Victorian rentals (sadly, now inflated)," the newspaper adds.

"Fast trains to St Pancras and links with Tracey Emin were also factors in Margate’s rebirth."

St Ives bagged the top spot on the Telegraph's list and was given a score of 98 out of 100 for its gentrification.

Southwold was given 94 out of 100 while Whitstable came third with 87 out of 100.