A South Warwickshire village has been named the best place to live in the Midlands by The Sunday Times.

The annual rundown of desirable destinations has named Ilmington as the top spot in the centre of England - the only location in the county to be included in the rundown.

Described as "pretty as a picture" the village's twin greens, "ancient church" and pubs saw it hailed "as blissful an example of village life as it should be".

The community shop's upcoming 10th anniversary was also noted.

"The houses are a mix of lush Cotswold stone and the attractive red brick that was once — but no longer — considered the posher option," The Sunday Times wrote. 

"Depending on which side of Front Street you live, you're either just in or just outside the Cotswolds, but day-trippers tend to arrive in walking boots rather than on tourist coaches.

"The heart of village life — and this dedicated population's proudest achievement — is the community shop manned by more than 100 volunteers, one in seven of the population. 

"Opened in 2015 after three years of fundraising, it will celebrate its tenth birthday this year. It has a café, free wi-fi, books to borrow, knit-and-natter sessions and a book club, along with regular sociable lunches and suppers. 

"The Ilmington Show celebrates its centenary this year: cue local arts, crafts and produce including giant marrows."

The rest of the top ten featured Harbone in Birmingham, Oakham in Rutland and Eccleshall in Stafford.

See the full list here.

(Header image by Steve Daniels via geograph.org.uk)