PARTS of Hampshire have been named as among the best rural areas to live in the country.

The New Forest, Test Valley and East Hampshire all rank in the top 25 of Halifax’s annual rural quality of life survey.

It measures a variety of criteria, including health, life expectancy, crime rates, weather, employment, school results and broadband access.

East Hampshire was ranked highest of the three at 14, with Test Valley at 22 and the New Forest at 25.

The best rural area in the country was Uttlesford, in Essex.