RESIDENTS of South Cambridgeshire have the best quality of life of any rural area in the country, according to a survey.

Halifax ranked 140 local authority districts on high income, life expectancy, good health, high educational standards and low rainfall.

Of the area’s 140,000 residents, an impressive 95 per cent reported generally good health, with the life expectancy coming in at 81.6 years – the highest of any other rural area in the country.

The average weekly wage across South Cambridgeshire, which comprises 105 villages, is �739, with the employment rate at 79 per cent.

Education is also at a high standard, with 75 per cent achieving five or more A-C GCSE grades. Yearly rainfall is significantly lower too, with 597mm falling in South Cambs compared to the 871mm average.

Residents and councillors backed up the claims, saying they are proud to live in South Cambs.

District councillor for Melbourn Jose Hales said: “I’m absolutely proud of the survey results. People in South Cambs like to help each other and themselves out.

“It has the feeling of a safe place although there are times when its not the safest, just like any area.

“We have an unusual set up where the county, district and parish councils are in close relationship and it works very well for us.”

Terry Hutt of Whaddon said: “Its so relaxing living here and it’s given me a new lease of life since I moved from the city.

“I cam here seven years ago and all I have to worry about is running over a bird or a rabbit!”

Debbie Horabin who runs Armadillo Ink in Bassingbourn said: “The schools are good and the area is safe which makes it a good place to bring up children.

“I fully agree with the survey results and enjoy living and working in South Cambs.”

Lavinia Edwards of Steeple Morden said: “The services are great. The mobile library and the buses in particular are really good in the South Cambs villages.”