Saffron Walden has been named one of the best 10 locations in the UK for raising a child as a single parent.

Pulling data from the Times’ Best Places to Live guide, the study was compiled by Richard Nelson LLP, and considered seven key variables, such as average house price, salary, and the proportion schools and nurseries rated 'good' or 'outstanding'.

Saffron Walden finishing in eighth position, scoring 95 out of a possible 173.

The town performed well in the education category, with all five of its schools and nurseries being rated 'good'/'outstanding' by Ofsted - a factor which coupled with the sixth highest average salary at £36,968, assumed it to be a desirable location for single parents.

Lauren Greenhalgh, consultant solicitor in the family law team at Richard Nelson LLP, said: "Given the current economic climate, there’s never been a more challenging time to be a lone parent.

"Despite this, there are more than 2.9 million single parents in the UK."

Conversely, Wadhurst in East Sussex and Lindfield in West Sussex ranked among the least affordable locations with an average house price of over £629k and an average salary of £28k, while Bishop’s Castle in Shropshire ranked first.