SALTAIRE has been named as one of the best places to live in the north of England by a national newspaper.

The UNESCO world heritage site has been named as one of the top 10 locations in the region for the first time by The Sunday Times, and joins the likes of York, Tynemouth, Boston Spa and the city centre of Leeds on the list.

The Sunday Times' list puts York as the best place to live in the north, with Saltaire at number nine.

According to the newspaper's research, the price for a starter home averages at £121,980, a mid-market home will set buyers back £228,090 and a top of the range property is £345,100.

Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor, said: "Finding our very own best place to live now feels more important than ever, for our wellbeing and wealth, happiness and health.

"This year we were looking for community spirit along with convenience and culture. There is so much going on around the country, and so many great places that the choice was a hard one."

The announcement has been met with delight by councillors, traders and businesses in Saltaire.

Cllr Vick Jenkins, a ward councillor for Shipley, said: "This is really welcome news for Saltaire and Shipley. Saltaire is a fantastic place to live with it's World Heritage status, good transport links and local businesses.

"For me though the best thing about Saltaire is the active community doing amazing things voluntarily, to name a few we have Veg on the Edge, Saltaire Stories heritage work, the Village Society and their great Xmas events, not forgetting the Arts Trail and Saltaire Festival. The people make the place."

Ellen Massarella, owner of Massarella's cafe bar and fine art, said: "You have anything you can possibly want in Saltaire.

"There's lovely bars, cafes and restaurants.

"It's great and it's great for tourists."

Liam Wright, a supervisor at The Boathouse Inn, on Victoria Road, added: "Saltaire has the dragon boat races which a lot of people come her for and Saltaire Festival has changed over the last four years because it used to be a gathering in the streets, but now it fills the park and a lot of people come out for it."

Steve Hartley, Strategic Director for Place at Bradford Council, added: "“The village – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is well-known for its beautiful scenery along the River Aire and its idyllic streets and houses. It also has superb transport links, making it perfect for visitors and commuters alike.

“It is recognised for its international influence on town planning and as one of the earliest, largest and best preserved nineteenth century model industrial villages, with stunning architecture, in the world."