Police Chiefs and business leaders have welcomed news that Devon has come top of the list of the best places to live in England.
The region was named ‘best county’ in a survey conducted by Country Life Magazine. It took into account factors including weather, landscape, crime statistics and heritage. The South West Regional Development Agency welcomed its findings.
A spokesman said "This survey confirms what we have known all along - that the South West is the best place to live, work and do business. It reinforces our belief that quality of life plays a vital role in attracting businesses, workers and year-round tourists. It is also important that we protect and enhance the culture and environment that puts us top of the league."

The low crime rate in Devon also helped it win the accolade. Nigel arnold, deputy chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, said that the survey had reinforced the message that it was one of the safest regions in the country. He said " Low levels of crime are an important factor for people when they are considering their quality of life. People should feel safe in their communities as statistics have shown that the vast majority of residents are unlikely to be victims of crime. We are putting more officers on the streets than ever before to make sure crime stays low and people have the confidence to live their lives without fearing crime"

Exeter-based estate agents Knight Frank said the survey only confirmed what the company had known for years. William Morrison of the firm's Exeter office, said "Devon has always been at the top of most people's list who are looking to move throughout the UK. When we are asked by prospective purchasers whether Devon is the place to move to, we have to be very careful not to oversell ourselves"