A new survey shows the Hampshire village of Milford-on-Sea has more residents aged 65 or over than almost any other coastal community in the UK.

According to data collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 44 per cent of Milford residents are of retirement age.

The only coastal area with more “golden oldies” is Southwold in Suffolk, where 50 per cent of the population is 65 or older.

Situated on the edge of the New Forest, with stunning views of the Isle of Wight, Milford has always been a sought-after area among people looking to retire to the seaside.

But the percentage of older residents is more than twice the national average for coastal parishes.

Hampshire county councillor Mel Kendal, 69, has lived in Milford for almost 30 years.

He said: “It’s a beautiful place to live and retire to. The views are brilliant, the sea air is fantastic and we’ve got everything we need.

“I came to Milford in my forties and will stay here for as long as I can.”

Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, added: “Milford is a great place because older, wiser people are an enormous asset. They can contribute to all sorts of things that younger working families find difficult to fit in.

“Fundamentally I take the view that older people are an asset to be cherished by all the community.

“Yes, there are many older people in Milford but it still has a healthy mix with a thriving primary school and a flourishing food festival.”

Julian Davis, chairman of the local parish council, expressed similar views.

Citing the large number of families living in the area he said: “We’ve got a complete cross section. The local school is bulging at the seams and all the local pre-schools are packed to capacity.”

A large number of old people living in a community can place extra strain on health and social care services.

But Cllr Davis said: “My 92-year-old aunt walks miles every day. She’s unbelievably fit, as are many others in the area.”