Welshpool and Builth Wells are one of Wales’ most attractive towns to live and work, according to research by the Royal Mail.

The market towns in the heart of Wales ranked above Monmouth and Carmarthen, but were beaten by Denbigh and Mold for the top spots.

Welshpool and Builth Wells were they only Powys market towns to make the top 10.

The findings are based on a number of categories including average earnings, house prices, access to services, crime figures, skill level of the local population and unemployment figures. 

Data from the 2011 UK Census was also used. 

Welshpool, in fifth place, has relatively affordable housing, low unemployment and good school scores.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “This new study demonstrates the breadth of market towns providing attractive places for people across the UK to live and work in.

“For people who value a good work-life balance, there are plenty of market towns to choose from.

“Royal Mail connects communities and businesses across the UK, delivering to nearly 30 million addresses.”

Egremont, Langholm, Denbigh and Carrickfergus are the best market towns in each of the UK’s four countries, according to the study by Royal Mail.