THE best places to live in County Durham according to our readers has been revealed - and the results may surprise you.

Earlier this week, we ran a Northern Echo poll which attracted almost 2,500 of you who had their say.

We broke the county into five main areas, listing the key towns in each part of the county - which prompted fierce competition.

We did this due to the number of towns and villages across the area, and to make sure all areas were covered.

East Durham, including Seaham, Horden and Peterlee was voted the fifth-best area to live with just 14 per cent (340) of people saying it was the best place to live.

This was very surprisingly followed by Teesdale, which includes Barnard Castle, and scored 20 per cent (480).

Durham City, including Brandon, Sherburn and Coxhoe, came third place with 21 per cent (496) of those polled.

Meanwhile two parts of the county just about scraped by appearing to both secure 23 per cent - but when broken down by the number of votes, we can now reveal what area you thought was the best.

Chester-le-Street, Consett, Stanley and Lanchester scored 23 per cent - but this was based on 545 votes.

Meanwhile Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor and Newton Aycliffe, including Weardale, scored 23 per cent - but this was based on 549 votes, crowning the area the best place to live.

Do you agree with the results? Let us know in the comment section below!