Lewes is famed for its antique markets, the castle which towers over it, ancient passageways called twittens and the annual November 5 barrel-rolling and fireworks.

People from Brighton and Hove and across the country are now flocking to take up residence in the town, one of the few in Sussex to maintain its historical character.

Lewes police say the area is one of the safest places to live in the country with a very low crime rate.

The hunt for England's favourite market town is hotting up and Lewes, in the foothills of the South Downs, is running head to head with Alresford in Hampshire and Faversham, Kent, to win the South-East heat.

Country Life judge Penelope Keith said the point of the competition was "market towns are to be cherished and preserved".

The judges say a town may possess an indefinable "x factor" which gives it the edge over its rivals.

So what is it that makes Lewes so popular with the Lewesians, as they are known, and does it have the X factor?

Robert Cheesman, chairman of the Friends of Lewes, was born and bred there and believes the town, which has a population of about 15,000, should win hands down.

He said: "I think where Lewes differs from the other two towns is it is nestled right in the middle of the South Downs and there is a river flowing right through it.

"There is also a preponderance of independent shops.

"While we do have the odd High Street shop we are not a town that has solely branches of larger organisations.

"There are a lot of antique shops and that also makes for the character of the town.

"These are all factors I feel puts Lewes forward and hopefully we will be successful.

"The annual celebrations on November 5 are a fine example of the community spirit in the town and people working together.

"Lewes became a commercial and market town many years ago and people from smaller villages still come to Lewes for services they do not have.

"The Countryside Agency has made a proposal to the Government for the South Downs National Park, which would include Lewes. This would make Lewes the largest town within a national park in the whole of England.

"Inspectors are currently writing their reports and we have to wait and see but I think this shows there must be something special about Lewes.

"I have been to both Faversham and Alresford and while they are nice towns there is nothing quite as special about them as Lewes."

The judges will be asking themselves if a particular town is where they would like to live.

Does it have charm and beauty, plenty to do and a sense of community?

Would you look forward to shopping for top-quality food and goods in shops staffed by friendly, helpful shopkeepers? Are there ample amenities for old and young such as town halls, open spaces and good parking?

Alan Wilkinson, owner of the Lewes Flea Market, said: "Lewes is certainly a great tourist town.

"It attracts lots of visitors because of the independent shops and there are about half a dozen antique markets.

"There is one road called Fore Street, right by a 16th Century bookshop, which is a very steep cobbled street that looks exactly like it should be in the Hovis advert.

"It's a charming little English street.

"There are some important auction houses in Lewes and there is a boot fair every Sunday as well as a regular farmers market.

"It is certainly a charming town."

A spokeswoman from Lewes District Council said: "Lewes District Council is very pleased the town has been nominated as one of England's favourite market towns.

"We are very aware of its charm and beauty and the ample amenities it offers both young and old.

"It has historic buildings, open spaces and countryside.

"We look forward to being successful in the next stage of the competition."