WEYMOUTH has been named one of the most desirable places to retire to.

A study conducted by McCarthy & Stone suggested that seaside towns are among Britons' favoured locations to retire.

Weymouth ranked second on a top ten list compiled from a poll.

Cllr Graham Winter, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said: "We are very pleased to once again be recognised as one of the most desirable locations in the country.

"Council staff and local businesses should be very proud of the work that they do to make Weymouth a welcoming place for people of all generations, not just pensioners.

"Weymouth Town Council is determined to keep up the good work and make things even better in the future."

This is not the first list of desirable destinations that Weymouth has been featured on in recent weeks.

It was included in the top ten list of best places to take a 'staycation' in the UK by holidaycottages.co.uk and was ranked in the top five seaside towns for families by dayoutwiththekids.co.uk

A spokesman from McCarthy & Stone said: “The UK contains over 7,000 miles of coastline, so the coastal scenery itself is one of the key drivers for those looking to retire to the British seaside. The coast can also bring a variety of activities. For example, some of the UK’s best links golf courses are located on the coast, but there are also many opportunities for sea swimming, coastal path walking and even surfing, depending on how active you want to be.

“Seaside destinations can also be great place for friends and family to visit, with something for every generation. There is also the social aspect - A coastal retirement can also place you in the heart of a thriving local community. Coastal towns and resorts are often packed with community-led events and festivals that allow you to mix with other retirees and thousands of holidaymakers alike, forging new friendships in the process.

“Last but not least, who can forget the fresh and calming sea air that comes with retiring to the coast. Research shows that the closer you live to the sea, the healthier you are, with the fresh and calming sea air creating the perfect conditions for an active and enjoyable retirement. Plus, research shows that the negative ions in sea air will also accelerate your body’s ability to store oxygen and balance your serotonin levels, which can make you feel alert, energised or more relaxed."

The complete McCarthy & Stone list is as follows:

1. Salcombe, Devon

2. Weymouth

3. Whitby, Yorkshire

4. St Ives, Cornwall

5. Bamburgh, Northumberland

6. Cromer, Norfolk

7. Shanklin, Isle of Wight

8. Deal, Kent

9. Worthing, West Sussex

10. Hastings, East Sussex

For more information visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk/life-and-living/explore/lifestyle/the-top-10-british-seaside-towns/