A prestigious annual guide has awarded the city of Winchester the title of the best place to live in the UK.
The Sunday Times publishes its 'Best Places to Live' every year, and Winchester has topped the billing, with a write-up which praises our 'historic, cultured, foodie city' as somewhere with excellent schools, outstanding restaurants and friendly residents.
The guide examines data on crime rates, house prices and school performance, and also mentioned were the great transport links, the range of festivals and a general feel-good factor.
Local MP Steve Brine said: "The best kept secret is now out there and quite right too. I pinch myself every day we get to live and bring up our children here and frankly double-pinch that I am able to represent the city in Parliament.
"Quality of life is about so much more than pounds and pence or property prices, the very feel of the place and the landscape setting make Winchester really stand out for me."
Cllr Stephen Godfrey, the Leader of Winchester City Council, said: "I am delighted - and not surprised - that Winchester is the winner in the Sunday Times 'Best Places to Live in Britain 2016'.
"Winchester has a fabulous mix of history, culture, shopping, countryside and accessibility that adds up to a highly-prized quality of life. The Cathedral, the South Downs National Park, festivals such as the Hat Fair, celebrity-chef restaurants and picture-postcard villages are just a few of the area's attractions.
"The City Council plays its part in helping to deliver and maintain this enviable status with an active and involved community shaping local decision-making. We are all proud of our beautiful and historic city and it's good to know that from a national perspective, Winchester is the best."