CERNE Abbas has been named as the most sought-after village in the country - and residents say they are not surprised.

The village came out top in a survey by the estate agent Savill's that looked at property prices and desirability factors such as schools and pubs.

Andrew Farrow fell in love with the village when he moved there exactly 24 years ago - on Valentine's Day.

As the owner of the Stores and Post Office he is at the hub of village life and knows residents love Cerne Abbas too.

He said: "It's fantastic. It's the sense of community you get here. All of Dorset is lovely, West Dorset is even lovelier and Cerne Abbas is at the centre of it.

"You can understand why people love it. It nestles in beautiful countryside and we've got Tudor houses and a great community. It's pretty good here."

Mr Farrow said the existence of the school, a doctors' surgery and the growth in the number of clubs and organisations were vital parts of community life.

He added: "The only downside is property prices. It's hard for young people but there are some affordable homes now."

George Mortimer, a parish councillor and chairman of Cerne Abbas Village Hall committee, said: "I'm not surprised Cerne Abbas is top of the list.

"It's a lovely village but it's the community itself that's probably the most important feature of life in Cerne Abbas.

"People are so caring without being intrusive. They will help each other if they need it."

He said the new village hall was in frequent use for the many clubs and organisations blossoming in Cerne Abbas.

And he counted the surgery and school as essential elements to keep a balance of young and old in the village.

Mr Mortimer said: "The only worry is house prices. You can easily pay more than £500,000 for the older ones and that makes it incredibly hard for people.

"Thankfully there are not a lot of second homes like in other parts of West Dorset."

Mr Mortimer said the famous Cerne Giant was good for the village.

He said: "He brings visitors in. They come to see the giant then come into the village and find the shops and pubs.

"Whenever there is something that brings more attention to the giant, like the Homer Simpson painted next to the giant last summer, there's an upsurge in trade."

He added: "We love the village. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."