Britain’s 10 best market towns to live in have been revealed by a property expert. Simon Merton, the director of residential agency at estate agents Strutt and Parker has listed the top towns for folk looking to make a move from the big city to quiet country life.

       He described the UK’s market towns as the “heartbeat of the countryside” adding that they had always been popular with property buyers regardless of the situation in the market.

       Mr Merton said: “Britain's market towns have always been popular no matter what is happening in the property market. They are shining lights across our landscape – hubs of creativity and aspiration.

       “They are the settings for some of our most interesting shops and restaurants, our literature and symbols of history. They are quite simply, the heartbeat of the countryside.”

       Topping the list was an obscure choice in Moreton-In-Marsh, while more well-known towns such as Nantwich, Market Harborough and Harrogate all feature.