WORLD Heritage Site Saltaire can add another prize to its trophy cupboard after being named as one of the top 50 towns and suburbs in Britain.

The Sunday Times newspaper has compiled a definitive list of best places to live in the UK and Saltaire features alongside three other Yorkshire locations - Skipton, Harrogate and Beverley.

Due to be published on Sunday, the qualities which judges examined included the best quality of life to the widest number of people, and combining desirable features such as a positive community spirit, good local shops and services and attractive outdoor spaces.

Fiz Pimperton, of Saltaire W.I, summed up popular reaction to Saltaire being selected for special mention in the respected list.

"It's just a fantastic place to live, there's a mix of urban and rural with great transport links and marvellous local shops.

"To me it's an ideal world," Mrs Pimperton said.

Ward Councillor Martin Love said he was delighted with Saltaire's inclusion in the list.

"I'm very pleased it's been recognised that it's such a wonderful place to live.

"It has great travel links and is a good place to live because while it attracts so many visitors because of its World Heritage Status, that's not something which is obtrusive.

"The tourism doesn't intrude or detract from the joy of living there," Cllr Love said.

June Russell, of arts group Saltaire Inspired, which runs the Arts Trail and Living Christmas Calendar, said it was a unique location.

"What's amazing is there are an awful lot of artists and creative people who also have got the same kind of spirit.

"Saltaire attracts people who want to get involved, which we've seen in the level of interest in this year's Arts Trail which starts at the end of May.

"And because of it's layout, that attitude is very strong and compacted," she said.

Saltaire Traders' Association Chairman David Ford said he was pleased the importance of interesting shops was part of the scoring process.

"It's a tribute to the diversity of independent shops and that it's not just big chains.

"Also I live here and there's always such a lot happening, be that films at Victoria Hall or things like the local history club.

"Saltaire has a marvellous history as well as a marvellous present," Mr Ford said.

Artist David Starley said another of Saltaire's attractions was the Caroline Social Club.

"It's been totally rejuvenated and is now a really popular venue as is Victoria Hall," he said.

Bradford Council's executive member for culture, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said she was also delighted to hear that Saltaire had made the top 50.

"It's a very successful community with lots going on and good local shops. Churches, arts organisations and community groups are all active," Cllr Hinchcliffe said.

"Something's on every day. Saltaire's reputation is obviously growing, it's great for it to be recognised nationally in this way."