ELY has been named as one of the top 20 places in the UK to live the high life without breaking the bank. Stunning architecture, high tech jobs and upmarket restaurants and bars give the city 12th place in the Affordable Affluence Index. The study, which

ELY has been named as one of the top 20 places in the UK to live the high life without breaking the bank.

Stunning architecture, high tech jobs and upmarket restaurants and bars give the city 12th place in the Affordable Affluence Index.

The study, which lists the top 20 affluent cities in the UK, has been compiled for the first time by the Royal Bank of Scotland's Private Banking Service which is only offered to high rollers earning £100,000 plus a year.

A spokesman said: "The study has identified Ely as one of Britain's top hotspots for anyone who wants to achieve the good life without breaking the bank.

"This unprecedented study identifies the locations across Britain which offer the facilities, services and amenities needed to support an affluent lifestyle, combined with affordable property prices and cost of living."

Ely beat other locations in the UK with its winning combination of stunning Georgian and medieval architecture, high tech jobs and closeness to Cambridge.

Average house prices were found to be substantially above the national average of £202,000 and lifestyle indicators included up-market restaurants, cafes, bars, motor dealerships and spa chains.

High-performing schools, entertainment and cultural attractions also gave the city the edge over its rivals.

The positive factors were analysed against so-called negative factors, which include fast food restaurants and betting shops, to give the city its overall score.

Ely shares its place in the index along with less anticipated entries including Salford, Huddersfield and Perth.

Ely Mayor councillor Ron Bradney said: "Ely is unique in many ways and our quality of life here is very high. We do have our problems, as does any prospering and expanding city, but none are insurmountable.

"Good rail, road and waterway links, an increasingly diverse workforce, an abundance of land for commercial development and quality new housing are all in our favour. Ely is ready to fly, but I feel that twelfth out of twenty is not good enough.

"Let's make Ely top of all league tables as the best city to live, work and play in the UK.