Which? Has named Stockport as one of the 12 best places in the UK to retire, measured on three metrics of healthcare, happiness, and parks. 

Out of the dozen, Stockport ranked third for healthcare (7.8), third for parks (9.2) and joint fifth for happiness (7.6). 

The town also scored comparatively well on house prices, with an average of £285,000.

Explaining its metrics, Which said: "The healthcare score in England was based on the average distance to the nearest GP and the average distance to the nearest pharmacy.

"Happiness scores come from surveys by the Office for National Statistics, asking respondents to rate their happiness out of 10.

"Parks and playing fields is based on the average number of parks and playing fields within 1km."

It comes not long after The Times ranked Stockport as a top place for first-time buyers in a similar list of 12 UK locations. 

Councillor Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "To be recognised as one of the best places for people both to get on the property ladder or to see out their retirement is high praise and reinforces the borough's deserved reputation as a great place not just to work but also to live for one's entire life, especially as we celebrate being this year's Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

"People can access the countryside, top class leisure facilities and our £1bn town centre regeneration programme will provide a vibrant, friendly neighbourhood with high quality new homes, modern facilities, attractive green spaces and all the benefits of the town centre nearby."

A spokesperson for Which told Stockport Council that areas such as Marple weighted the rankings heavily. 

The spokesperson said: "Take the small town of Marple…The town is known locally for its 16 canal locks and the nearby Roman Lakes leisure complex, a popular spot for anglers.

"The town also lies close to the Peak District National Park. Several nearby golf courses, including Reddish Vale golf club, add to the attraction."

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