TAMWORTH is the perfect retreat for retirement according to a national survey – beating off competition from traditional seaside havens such as Eastbourne and Worthing.

A poll of readers of Yours magazine saw Tamworth take number one place as the most idyllic place in the UK to enjoy your twilight years.

Residents in Tamworth rated the town highly across all categories, particularly praising health care, with 86 per cent of people saying they were happy with their GP practice.

Other plus points were the regular market and frequent bin collections and Tamworth Castle and 'scenic river walks' were also highlighted.

With both house prices and council tax being below the national average, the survey concluded that Tamworth was ideal for the budget-conscious – and the fact that the town has a supported housing service to help the elderly live more independently in their own homes, was the icing on the cake.

Eighty-nine-year-old Joan Daffern has lived in Tamworth since 1945.

She told the Herald: "I wouldn't live anywhere else, there is plenty to do. I am spending my retirement in Tamworth and I'm enjoying myself!"

Danny Cook, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: ""It's great to see Tamworth highlighted in a national magazine as a place people would want to live.

"We have a wide range of attractions such as the castle, its grounds, the Assembly Rooms and not forgetting beautiful countryside right on our doorstep.

"Good health care, housing and our work on tackling perception of anti-social behaviour all help to make our town a very attractive proposition. We work hard to make sure the borough is clean and green for residents and visitors alike, and I am very proud of the wide and varied events we hold throughout the year, making Tamworth a fantastic place to both live and visit."