BARRY has been named as the most desirable place to live and work in Wales.

Barry’s town centre CF63 area took the top spot, with Palmerston and Cadoxton areas, CF62, ranking seventh on the list, after a study conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) on behalf of the Royal Mail.

Sue Eldridge, 55, of Westward Rise, Barry, said: “It's great isn't it.

“We've always known how lucky we are to have an amazing community, beautiful beaches and gorgeous parks including the stunning Porthkerry Park.

"I’m really pleased Barry has got the recognition it deserves, but a little concerned the secret’s out.”

The study by Cebr looked back at the past two years and calculated the most desirable areas based on a range of factors including good schools, access to green spaces, good employment prospects, working hours, affordable housing and average commuting times.

The research was conducted by reviewing a number of data sources at the local level, including the 2011 Census, the department for communities and local government’s indices of multiple deprivation, general land use database and numerous releases from the Office for National Statistics.

Cllr Neil Moore, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’m delighted but not surprised that experts have revealed Barry is the most desirable place to live in Wales.

"Barry has undergone an extensive regeneration programme in recent years that has transformed many aspects of the town and the way it is perceived by those living elsewhere.

"Barry now boasts six Green Flag parks, the mark of a top-quality outdoor space, after a prolonged programme of refurbishment.

"Among them is Barry Island, an area which has undergone extensive improvement works to emerge as somewhere the whole community can be extremely proud of.

“Barry also boasts some of the best-performing schools in Wales, a vibrant new Waterfront Development that sees plush modern homes set among an expanding business community and a thriving independent shopping scene.

“This news comes just months after the Vale of Glamorgan was revealed as the happiest place to live in Wales, while we have emerged as the top-performing local authority in Wales for two years running.”

Steve Rooney, head of the Royal Mail’s address management unit, said: “Royal Mail delivers to nearly 30 million addresses across the UK, connecting communities and businesses.

"This new report builds on the study that we commissioned two years ago and provides unique insight into the most desirable places to live and work, through the lens of the postcode.”