Property prices, poor schools and a lack of outstanding pubs reduce quality of life in Sussex, according to a survey.

The league table drawn up by Country Life magazine ranked West Sussex the ninth best county to live in and East Sussex the 15th.

England's 37 counties were given marks in 13 categories, ranging from the average house prices and the academic success of schools to tranquillity and landscape.

Topping the list was Devon, which scored 72 out of 100, compared with West Sussex's 56 and East Sussex's 52.

A team of judges compiled the data using statistics from sources including Government departments, countryside organisations, the land registry and the Good Pub Guide.

East and West Sussex fared worst in the education category, both scoring nought out of five. The counties also lost points for their lack of National Trust sites, scoring just one out of five.

The standard of the region's pubs disappointed judges, with West Sussex gaining one out of five and East Sussex getting two out of five.

East Sussex was also singled out for its lack of sports facilities and clubs, gaining nought out of ten.

High points were the number of sunshine hours, with East Sussex gaining ten out of ten and West Sussex eight.

Burglaries were also discovered to be low, giving East Sussex nine out of ten and West Sussex, eight.

West Sussex was also given three out of five for its house prices, five out of five for its councils, four out of ten for tranquillity, four out of five for wildlife, six out of ten for housing projections, four out of ten for landscape, five out of ten for sports and seven out of ten for arts.

East Sussex secured three out of five for house prices, two out of five for councils, five out of ten for tranquillity, four out of ten for wildlife, six out of ten for housing projections, six out of ten for landscape and four out of ten for arts.