Research for the Royal Mail has revealed the most desirable postcode areas

Northern towns are the most desirable places to live and work in England, a study has found.

A Royal Mail survey of postcodes in the UK revealed the most popular places to live, with Bebington coming out on top in England, Neilston in Scotland, Morriston in Wales and Craigavon in Northern Ireland.

The study, conducted by the Centre for Economic and Business Research, showed that northern locations dominated the top ten in England, with Bebington in the Wirral and Dalton-in-Furness in Cumbria coming high up the list.

The report showed that residents in Bebington, located close to the River Mersey, enjoyed the ideal balance of being able to live close to their place of employment, good schools and high employment.

Meanwhile in the south, the most desirable postcode was the old town of Kesgrave in Ipswich.

Royal Mail calculated its list of popular postcodes based on access to good schools, green spaces, employment prospects, affordable housing and average commuting times.

Head of Royal Mail's Address Management Unit, Steve Rooney, said postcodes played an integral role in today's "technology-led" world.

He said: "The invention of the postcode revolutionised the way post is sorted and delivered. As it has evolved, the postcode has also revolutionised the way companies do business.

"The postcode system, with origins dating back more than 150 years, continues to play an integral role in today's technology-led world.

"Royal Mail delivers to the UK's 29 million addresses, six days a week, connecting communities and businesses. Our study provides unique insight into the most desirable places to live and work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, through the lens of the postcode."