Menstrie has been named as one of the most desirable areas to live in the UK.

The Hillfoots village placed fourth - behind South Glasgow, Erskine and Largs - in the Royal Mail’s top postcode poll.

The postal service took a number of factors into account, using data from government agencies, the Office for National Statistics and the Land Registry.

They evaluated employment opportunities, health, education and training opportunities, levels of crime, homelessness, household overcrowding, ease of access to local services, quality of the physical environment and housing affordability in areas across the country.

The town of Tidworth in Wiltshire - postcode SP9 - was crowned the best place to live in England.

G44, on Glasgow’s south side, topped the Scottish table, while Brynteg (LL78) on the Isle of Anglesey won for Wales.

The study, carried out to mark the 40th anniversary of the postcode, was conducted in conjunction with the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR).

Five most desirable postcodes in England: 1. Tidworth, Wiltshire (SP9) 2. Yateley, Hampshire (GU46) 3. St Bees, Cumbria (CA27) 4. Middlewich, Cheshire (CW10) 5. Earley, Berkshire (RG6) Five most desirable postcodes in Scotland: 1. South Glasgow (G44) 2. Erskine, Renfrewshire (PA8) 3. Largs, Ayrshire (KA30) 4. Menstrie, Clackmannanshire (FK11) 5. Port Askaig, Isle of Islay (PA46) Five most desirable postcodes in Wales: 1. Brynteg, Isle of Anglesey (LL78) 2. Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan (CF61) 3. Llanidloes, Powys (SY18) 4. Caldicot, Monmouthshire (NP26) 5. North West Swansea, West Glamorgan (SA4)