EASTLEIGH is among the top 10 locations to raise a family in Britain - and it is the only one in Hampshire.

Online estate agents Yopa has identified the best places for families to live, based on factors that people look for when buying a new home.

According to Yopa, families look at the quality of the schools, crime rate, pollution levels, job prospects, pupils-per-class ratio and access to well-rated GPs.

After analysing those factors, Yopa has announced that Eastleigh is among the best places to live and it was listed eighth.

Tucked between major cities such as Southampton,Winchester and Portsmouth, Eastleigh is a mere stone’s throw from the sea and the New Forest.

It features many recreation areas, schools, shops and eateries.

Cllr Paul Bicknell, deputy council leader and cabinet member for regeneration (north), said: “We always said Eastleigh is a great place to live and this report confirms it. We have been investing in our green spaces, public open spaces and people like that. Also businesses see Eastleigh as an attractive place to invest as you get a good connectivity with the airport and the railway.”

Cllr Bicknell also pointed a low crime level as one of the reasons that made Eastleigh reach the top ten.

And added: “We will continue to invest in our public spaces and sport.”

As previously reported, a £25 million new leisure centre opened its door to Eastleigh residents last year providing them with a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym, ballet studio, squash courts and a soft play area.

According to Yopa, Ashbourne in Derbyshire came first, followed by Walton-on-Thames, Surrey and Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

David Jacobs, co-founder of Yopa, said: “There is a good mix of locations in the top ten list and it’s interesting to note they are geographical spread across the country.

“We are committed to helping parents find the very best family home wherever that might be.”