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New research shows residents of Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex have the highest quality of life among Britain's seaside towns.

According to the latest Halifax Seaside Town Quality of Life review, Bexhill-on-Sea is ahead of Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex and Christchurch in Dorset, in second and third places respectively.

Homeowners in all three of these towns enjoy higher than average weekly earnings, an above average employment rate and an average life expectancy of around 80, it was found.

Nitesh Patel, housing economist, Halifax, said: "A breath of fresh sea air coupled with great scenery has strong appeal for homeowners and often property in coastal areas has a hefty price tag attached to it.

The research also demonstrated that those who dream of being beside the seaside there are good value hotspots where you don't compromise on the standard of living.

Towns in Yorkshire and Scotland - such as Bridlington and Peterhead - have also rated highly in the quality of life index and have reasonable prices that are affordable on local incomes.

Patel said: "Many seaside towns, particularly in the South West, offer an excellent quality of life but with house prices to match. Despite house price falls between 2007 and 2009 in all but four seaside towns across the UK, the South West remains the most unaffordable region.

“Millionaire's playground Sandbanks is the most unaffordable seaside town but is balanced by residents having a high quality of life.”