Properties in market towns are noticeably more expensive than the average for their county, according to a new study.

Lloyds Bank has revealed house prices in market towns tend to be six per cent (£14,000) more than in other parts of their region.

The most extreme case is Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, where the average property value is £861,371, which is 181% higher than for the county as a whole.

All of the ten market towns with the highest house prices are located in southern England, with Lewes and Cranbrook the next most expensive after Beaconsfield.

Marc Page, mortgages director at Lloyds Bank, commented: "Market towns offer an excellent quality of life, with high levels of health and low crime and unemployment."

He added government research has shown cities and other towns should aim to replicate the community spirit found in market towns.

Mr Page said market towns are popular places to live due to being small enough to allow people to feel included, but large enough to ensure privacy is maintained.