A Meirionnydd village has been named in the top six places to live in Wales.

Usk in Monmouthshire was named as the best place to live, with Aberdyfi, the Cleddau Estuary, Pembrokeshire, Llandeilo and the Tywi Valley, Carmarthenshire, Narberth, Pembrokeshire and Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan making announced as equal runners-up.

The list was put together by a team of Sunday Times judges, who said Aberdyfi was the judges’ favourite Welsh seaside town, thanks to its “endless sandy beach, sparkling night skies and ever-changing estuary views”.

They like the friendly community, the pizza from Coast deli, the fresh fish on sale from Dai’s Hut on the pier and the award-winning ice cream from the candy floss-coloured Sweet Shop.

According to the panel, the average house price in the Gwynedd town is £370,000.

Meanwhile, it was the community spirit in Usk that caught the judges’ eyes.

“There are 60 thriving community groups which were stronger than ever in the pandemic, with the Usk in Bloom volunteers lifting everyone’s spirits with a riot of pink and purple petals,” the judges said.

“There is a farmers’ market and plenty of independent shops, galleries and cafés. Local produce is to the fore, thanks to an excellent butcher, the ice cream at the Parlour and the cakes at Morris’s of Usk garden centre.

“The high street is home to salons, restaurants such as 57 Bridge Street and a dozen or so pubs and bars, which remain at the heart of life, including The New Court Inn, the Lines Brew Co, White Hare Distillery or the Mad Platter.

“There are thriving rugby and football clubs and the cricket club has one of the most attractive grounds around.”

The average sale price of a house there is £475,000.

Further details can be found at www.thetimes.co.uk/best-places-to-live