TWO South Lakeland towns are in the top three places to live in the North West, according to a report set to be released this weekend.

Both Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale have appeared on the Sunday Times’ list, in second and third places respectively, after wowing judges with low crime rates, good schools and attractive outdoor spaces, among other things.

“I’m not at all surprised by this,” said South Lakeland District Council leader, Peter Thornton.

“I think it’s a tribute to the people that live in those places and make them what they are.

“I’m just surprised they weren’t in first and second places!”

The list has been put together as part of a ‘101 Best Places to Live in Britain’ supplement which will be released with The Sunday Times this weekend.

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Every town on the list made it into the 101 best places nationally, although these were not ranked other than by region.

Judges looked at statistics, which also included house prices, as well as factors such as positive community spirit and good local shops.

Garstang took the top spot for the region, while towns in Cheshire, the Wirral and Yorkshire followed Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale.

Sunday Times Home Editor, Helen Davies, said: “The Best Places guide is dedicated to celebrating Britain’s abundance of great cities, towns and villages.

“We combine in-depth data with first-hand personal experience to produce an authoritative list.

“There are lots of places across Britain that are worth celebrating.”

Part two of the guide will be published with The Sunday Times on Sunday, March 23, and will focus on the best places to live in terms of good schools and ‘the great outdoors’.

This year for the first time The Sunday Times has also launched a digital quiz to help users narrow down their own best place to live.