More than 100 millionaires live in Ilkley making it one of the richest towns in the country, according to a new survey.

Figures show there are 112 millionaires living in the town - the same as in upmarket Poole in Dorset.

And it is one of the few places outside London and the south-east to make it on to the rich towns league table out today.

No other town in Yorkshire even gets a mention.

Ilkely is 42nd in the country - higher than footballers' paradise Altrincham in Cheshire, which includes Alderley Edge and Bowdon - which has 105 millionaires and South Kensington in London with 99.

The Mayor of Bradford, Coun Richard Wightman, who represents part of Ilkley on Bradford Council, said he wasn't surprised by the findings.

"There has been a lot of money in the town for 150 years.

"Some is old money but many people have moved into the area in the last 25 years as the population has boomed.

"I know many millionaires from all backgrounds: business, farming, the professions, the public and private sector.

"Houses in some areas cost £600,000 so you are nearly at a £1 million already.

"Being a millionaire now isn't the same as it was in the 1950s. New millionaires are being created every day."

Kate Brown, chairman-elect of Ilkley Parish Council, said given the current stock market she thought the figure might be exaggerated: "I have never met any millionaires. But it is a beautiful place to live with the Dales on the doorstep."

Another Ilkley councillor Dale Smith, who represent Rombalds, said the town built its reputation on being a spa but now had the added attractions of good links to Leeds, Bradford and Manchester.

"It is the jewel in the Bradford district and its prosperity benefits the whole area."

Asked if he knew any millionaires, he said: "None that have confessed."

The findings come as no surprise to David Waddington, of Crosby Homes in Leeds, which is marketing two mansions, Hebers Ghyll and !!!! for more than £1 million each in Ilkley.

He said: "Ilkley is a majestic place.

"It is very mature and very classical which is rarely found in towns in the north.

"There is high quality shopping and excellent air, road and rail links for those people who need to travel.

"It is also very beautiful."

The two homes on the market have so far attracted around 70 viewers, he said, which reflects the money in the area.

In a list of Britain's wealthiest towns - dominated by London and the south east - Hampstead came out top with 294 millionaires with Chelsea ( 228) and Putney (184) also in the top ten.

Scotland was also well represented with Cheshire also featuring.

Euro Direct a business and marketing firm.

It studied the fortunes of seven million shareholders from the registers of the top 500 companies.

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