Sutton is one of the best hotspots for families to live according to a new report that looked into the most affordable and desirable places to live in the capital.

The Family Hotspots Report, now in its fourth edition, concluded the postcodes SM3, SM1 and SM2 were all in the top ten places in London for family friendly living.

This covers North Cheam and Stonecot Hill; Belmont, South Sutton, South Cheam and East Ewell; and Sutton, Rose Hill, parts of The Wrythe and Carshalton, Benhilton and Erskine Village.

The report, published by financial firm Family Investments, looked into a number of criteria including education, safety, amenities, property, childcare and population.

Ross Feeney, Successful Sutton chief executive, said: "This report reflects what people in Sutton already know; it's a great place.

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Manor Park Sutton

"We've got some great schools, lovely green open spaces and good connectivity into central London, and that works both ways with people going into London and people coming into out offices in the town centre.

"We have a good mix of retail and commercial opportunities.

"It's not surprising that Sutton comes out so high.

"Crime is so low, particularly if you compare it with our neighbouring boroughs.

"People want to live where, not only is it safe but, they feel safe."

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Trinity Church Sutton

According to figures released by Sutton Council the borough is the third safest in the capital and ranks in the top three for lowest levels of burglary, robbery, theft from motor vehicles, theft from person and theft from motor vehicles.

Its schools continue to be among the best in the country; at GCSE level 98.4 per cent of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs.

It is among the longest living boroughs nationally and, Government statistics show, from 2000 to 2011, male life expectancy increased by 2.9 years, from 77 years to 79.9 years while female life expectancy increased by 3.6 years, from 80.5 to 84.1.

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Wildlife coping with the cold weather on frozen Carshalton pond

Councillor Jayne McCoy, chairman of the housing, economy and business committee, said: "Our residents and businesses say Sutton is a great place to live and work so it’s excellent to have that confirmed.

"We’ve got a wide range of properties, fantastic open spaces and low crime rates.

"There are great opportunities for people to invest in the borough and grow their companies.

"We’re not resting on our laurels.

"We are determined to give our young people the opportunity to develop a career and the partnerships that we’ve formed with local organisations have been integral to the success of our programmes.

"However, there is no room for complacency, and we will continue to support Sutton’s young people and ensure that they are trained and ready to enter the work place and succeed."