A picturesque corner of the Cotswolds has been named the prettiest village in the UK in a list compiled by The Times.

In fact, it is two small settlements - The Slaughters, comprising Upper and Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds - which topped a list of 30.

The area was praised as being a fitting alternative to the pretty but oh-so-popular Castle Coombe.

Orford in Suffolk came in second place, while Lavenham, also in Suffolk, came third.

Lower Slaughter is situated next to the River Eye and famed for its limestone cottages in traditional Cotswold style. The fast-moving stream is crossed by two footbridges.

At the west end of the village is the 19th century red brick Old Mill which has an original water wheel. It was last used commercially in 1958.

Upper Slaughter, on both banks of the River Eye, is a so-called 'Thankful Village' which didn't lose any men in the First World War. The manor of Upper Slaughter is mentioned in the Domesday Book and the current building dates to Tudor times.

The unusual name comes from the Old English for a wet land 'slough' or 'slothre'.