TWO places in Ryedale have been named in the top 50 Best Places to Live in the Countryside by The Sunday Times.

Helmsley and Welburn are among nine towns and villages in the North of England to be selected.

The accolade comes in part one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, which was published on Sunday.

The annual supplement combines data and statistics such as crime rates, house prices and school performance with the local knowledge and expertise of Sunday Times writers to compile the definitive top 50 countryside locations to make your home.

Other places include Barnard Castle in County Durham, Bamburgh and Eglingham in Northumberland and Runswick Bay.

The locations were 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.

Sunday Times home editor Helen Davies said: “Britain is home to some of the most idyllic – and wild – countryside, and this supplement is dedicated to celebrating the very best of rural life.

“We worked carefully to compile a list, which combines statistical analysis with personal experience and Sunday Times expertise to create our top 50.”

Philip Magson, who opened the Loaf café and bakery, in Welburn, with his wife Anna-Marie last summer, said they loved living in the village.

“We moved here from York so it is very different,” he said.

“Welburn is a very quiet and friendly village to live in.”

Lizzie Would, Helmsley in Business committee member and owner of the No 54 bed and breakfast in the town, said: “Of course, it’s no surprise to us that Helmsley has made the top nine places to live in the Northern countryside. Although it’s nice to know we’re not just biased.

“The sense of community here is fantastic, the countryside is beautiful and the town itself has everything you need.”