The people of Richmond have been praised for making it Britain's best borough despite decades of poor investment from Westminster.

The borough has come top of a number of health and lifestyle measures which are being used by the government as part of its so-called 'levelling up' plans.

Richmond upon Thames was best across 350 local authority areas for children's health and education, male life expectancy and economic productivity.

The salaries, with a median of £36,400 across the workforce was also relatively strong.

It has been suggested that the Levelling up Secretary, Michael Gove, want Richmond's success to provide a blueprint for the rest of the country, particularly the north of England.

The leader of Richmond's Lib-Dem Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts, celebrated the area's big success, but insisted it was driven by the efforts of local people, rather than owing anything to Westminster.

He said: "It's always nice to see Richmond upon Thames acknowledged as a wonderful place to live, work, go to school and indeed spend a day out.

"It's the people who make it - the residents, the local businesses, the incredible voluntary sector, teachers, our community police officers, our frontline workers - the list is long."

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He added: "As for being held up as an exemplar of what could be achieved through levelling-up, well Richmond has historically had relatively poor investment from central government for decades.

"What we have achieved comes from the hard work of the people who live here and their willingness to support the council, through Council Tax and Business Rates, in delivering the high-quality services which make this borough one of the best in the country."

In recent months, Richmond borough was named the best place in London – and second in the country - in a national happiness league.

It has many natural advantages with it Royal Parks and the River Thames. But it is also home to world famous institutions, such Kew Gardens, the National Archive and Twickenham stadium.

Separately, the area's rich heritage, historic buildings and theatres are major attractions. While the Oscar-winning Twickenham Film Studios is about to embark on a major expansion.