Market towns offer a good work-life balance because of affordable homes, good schools and low numbers of people working long hours, according to a new study.

Royal Mail drew up a list of the best market towns to live and work in across the UK.

Egremont in Cumbria was named best in England, Langholm in Scotland, Denbigh in Wales and Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland.

Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle in Co Antrim (Paul Faith/PA)

A Royal Mail spokesman said “This new study demonstrates the breadth of market towns providing attractive places for people across the UK to live and work in.

“For people who value a good work-life balance, there are plenty of market towns to choose from.”

The findings were based on average earnings, house prices, access to services, crime figures, skill level of the local population and unemployment figures.