WEST Sussex is one of the best places to live in England, says a new survey.

Researchers from Mori found 86 per cent of people in the county are satisfied with the quality of life.

The county came second only to Devon in the study, which was conducted to gauge opinions on the county and its services.

And the poll is backed by people living in the county, who said they would not live anywhere else.

They say there is an excellent choice of schools in the area and they were also happy with adult education and library provision.

The emergency services also rated very highly, with more than 66 per cent saying they were happy with West Sussex Fire Brigade.

Residents in Petworth, Midhurst and Arundel were more impressed with their quality of life than anywhere else.

In all three towns, 96 per cent of residents declared themselves "very happy" with where they lived.

Carol Short, owner of Arden Guest House, in Queens Road, Arundel, said: "We have everything we need in West Sussex.

"We have the coast, the scenery, the South Downs and some beautiful towns.

"We live in Arundel, which I consider to be the best. All our guests like it here too."

Travel-mad Janice Moth, 32, of Rugby Road, Worthing, said: "West Sussex has a very calming effect and I always miss it when I am away.

"I love the sea and the towns. It has everything you need really."

Rosemary Orpin, mayor of Littlehampton, said: "I think it is absolutely beautiful here.

"The countryside is second to none.

"When I go away and then come back over Long Furlong, the views are breathtaking.

"I would not move anywhere else.

"The people here are very friendly and there is a great community spirit."

Graham Forshaw, leader of West Sussex County Council, which commissioned the study, said: "The generally high levels of satisfaction found by Mori are extremely pleasing.

"The survey evidence shows we have got the policy right and the management of our services right."

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "We have not heard about this yet."

A total of 1,314 people in towns ranging from Midhurst to Arundel and Littlehampton to Bognor were quizzed in their own homes by researchers.

But some residents expressed concern about the lack of facilities for young people in West Sussex.

And others are campaigning for road improvements, including measures to cut the speed of traffic.

West Sussex County Council is also aiming to improve the way it channels information to the public.

It is considering setting up a council newspaper because local people are concerned that they are not as well informed about services as they should be.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.