ITS official – Marlborough is one of the best towns in England to live.

The Sunday Time's guide to the Best Towns and Suburbs to Live was published in the paper at the weekend and is the third in a four part series in partnership with Zoopla.

Parts one and two focused on rural idylls and the coolest city locations while part four will reveal the best places to live overseas.

The annual supplements combine data and statistics such as crime rates, house prices and school performance.

Marlborough mayor Marian Hannaford Dobson said: “It couldn’t have happened to a nice place, I’m not surprised at all.

“The community spirit here is wonderful. A few years ago we were named the most generous town in the country and I believe that comes across in everything you take part in in Marlborough.

“We have two absolutely brilliant schools, both the public and the state school feature on most top lists and, of course, the High Street is lovely, it’s got a real chic cafe feel.”

The town’s independent shops, literature and jazz festivals were named as reasons that Marlborough had found itself onto the list.

It is described as Wiltshire’s Marlborough town and a gift for name-droppers.

The report reads: “Buyers want to be as close to the sumptuous centre and its indulgently wide High Street as possible; properties are a mix of period homes, many of which are listed, and tasteful newer builds.

“Popular with families, not least for the schools – state options include St Mary’s infant school and St John’s academy, both rated as outstanding – Marlborough is also a hotspot for downsizers."

Another Wiltshire town, Bradford on Avon, was named as the overall best place to live in Britain and is described by the national newspaper as a tourist sweet spot in summer.

The top 50 locations were selected for offering the best quality of life to the widest number of people, and combining desirable features such as a positive community spirit, good local shops and services and attractive outdoor spaces.

Readers can discover their own best place to live with a digital quiz at www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/bestplaces2015