A RIBBLE Valley village has been named as one of the top places to live in the English countryside.

Whalley is the only Lancashire location named in the annual list by the Sunday Times of the top 50 destinations in the country.

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The accolade comes a year after it was named in the top 101 best places to live in Britain by the same paper.

The annual supplement combines data and statistics such as crime rates, house prices and school performances.

The locations were also selected for combining desirable features such as a positive community spirit, good local shops and services, as well as access to some of Britain’s most attractive outdoor spaces Whalley is one of nine northern locations to make this year’s cut as well as Cartmel in Cumbria, Helmsley in North Yorkshire and Bamburgh in Northumberland.

Cllr Terry Hill, who represents the village on Ribble Valley Council, said: “I’m so pleased about this and it reflects how I already feel about the village.

“I have lived here for more than 20 years and It’s such a wonderful place to live.”

“It’s well connected but it’s also set in a valley and has a fantastic village atmosphere.

“The countryside in the surrounding area is amazing and the people are very friendly as well.

“It really is a very beautiful location and it’s great that it has been recognised in this way.

“I’m very proud to represent the village on the borough council and on other bodies as well.”

A spokesman for the Sunday Times, which will feature the village in this week’s edition, said: “Newcomers to this Ribble Valley favourite do not remain strangers for long, as its 3,000 enthusiastic residents are keen to share the love.

“There are more sports events at the Church of England primary school than you can shake a rounders bat at and the annual bonfire draws crowds.”

“The latest local business initiative even sells itself on love — it’s called Ribble Valley: Wedding Heaven.

“The high street’s independent shops include a butcher and a deli, and the delights of Clitheroe, where there’s an Aldi under construction, are a mere 10 minutes’ drive away.

“Whalley has 23 listed buildings, and the small terraced cottages in the centre appeal to singles and couples; many families prefer the modern Calderstones Park development.

“There is tension over plans for more housebuilding, although locals deny deep-rooted nimbyism.

“Direct trains from Whalley to Manchester take just over an hour; commuting by car is not the easiest, but the rolling countryside location is ample compensation.”

Council leader Cllr Stuart Hirst said: “Ribble Valley residents know how wonderful Whalley is and it’s great that this has been confirmed on a national scale.

“I’m delighted with this news as I’m sure everyone in Whalley is as well.”