EAST Ayrshire has been named one of the best places to live in the UK for young families.

The study, conducted by moving platform Getamover.co.uk, listed East Ayrshire as third out of the top ten areas for young families.

The research considered 17 key factors including average house prices, crime rates, and proximity to parks and libraries, weighing them based on their relevance to young families.

East Ayrshire scored 69.1 out of 100, well above the UK average of 51.8.

The average price of a first home in the area is £104,630.

The study highlighted the value of affordable housing in making the area attractive to young families.

Burnley in Lancashire came out on top of the list with a score of 71.9 out of 100, largely due to its low property prices.

Average house prices in Burnley stand at £101,268, making it the second-least expensive region for first-time buyers in the UK.

Stoke-on-Trent came in second place with a score of 70.3 out of 100, notable for its numerous parks and green spaces.

Access to green spaces was highlighted as a significant factor for young families, contributing to improved mental health.

Three other Scottish areas made the top ten, which include North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, and the Outer Hebrides.

The study offers a guide for young families considering relocation, taking into account a wide range of factors that influence quality of life.

It provides a useful tool for young families to assess potential areas to move to, based on their specific needs and priorities.