DORCHESTER’S DT1 postcode has been revealed as one of the most desirable places to live in the UK.

A recent study of postcodes was commissioned by Royal Mail to find the most desirable places to live and work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The study, by the Centre for Economic and Business Research, calculated the most desirable areas based on a range of factors including good schools, access to green spaces, good employment prospects, affordable housing and average commuting times.

The DT1 Dorchester postcode came sixth in a table of the top ten most desirable postcode districts in England.

Mayor of Dorchester Peter Mann, who was born in Dorset and has lived in Dorchester since 1983, said: “I’m delighted to have confirmation from a national study on what I really do think; Dorchester is a lovely place to live in.

“We are very fortunate indeed with our public services, we have a wonderful natural environment and a remarkable heritage.

“The greatest strength of the town is the people; we have a lot of very public spirited people.

“We also have very low crime rates and a growing economy – overall there are lots of very good things about Dorchester.”

There are approximately 1.8 million postcodes across the UK, covering more than 29 million addresses.

In total, there are 48 million postcodes available under Royal Mail’s alpha-numeric system.

Steve Rooney, Head of Royal Mail’s Address Management Unit, said: “Royal Mail delivers to the UK’s 29 million addresses, six days a week, connecting communities and businesses.

“Our study provides unique insight into the most desirable places to live and work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, through the lens of the postcode.

“The invention of the postcode revolutionised the way post is sorted and delivered. As it has evolved, the postcodes has also revolutionised the way companies do business.

The postcode system, with origins dating back more than 150 years, continues to play an integral role in today’s technology-led world.”

Top ten most desirable postcode districts in England

1. CH63 – Bebington, Wirral

2. IP5 – Kesgrave, Ipswich

3. LA15 – Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria

4. NR8 – Taverham, Norfolk

5. FY6 – Poulton-Le-Fylde, Blackpool

6. DT1 – Dorchester, West Dorset

7. WA1 – Warrington, Cheshire

8. CH62 – Eastham, Wirral

9. CH45 – Wallasey, Merseyside

10. LA13 – Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria