We probably drive fewer Ferraris than folk down south. We may well have the lowest Rolex-to-wrist ratio of anywhere in the country. But when it comes to what really counts - happiness - North Yorkshire has it in spades.

This county will take on all-comers in the quality of life league. But potential opponents be warned. Whatever benchmarks you choose, North Yorkshire will come out on top.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott named 13 indicators for his "quality of life barometer" yesterday. These included assessments of health, education and wildlife in each region.

Within moments, the statisticians were at work. They soon discovered what we already knew: North Yorkshire ties with Northumberland as the best place to live in the country.

That is the frank verdict of The Times today. We thank the newspaper's staff for slaving away in cramped, noisy London to produce this verdict. And we would respectfully ask them to keep it under their hats.

Yorkshiremen and women are not known for unabashed rapture. We have even gained something of a reputation for being dour. There is a reason for this. We like to keep our good fortune at living in such fine surroundings to ourselves. Otherwise, everyone would want to live here.

In that spirit, we wish to draw attention away from this wonderful life to some of the flies in the North Yorkshire ointment.

Alongside our wonderful churches and ancient monuments, there is that man-made monstrosity Drax Power Station. And soon, thanks to Mr Prescott, it will be joined on the horizon by another giant tribute to the generating industry: the pylons being constructed across the Vale of York.

Motorists fuming on a static M25 are welcome to travel north and fume instead on a static A64, York outer ring road or any number of our local highways.But whatever you do, stay in the car. At this time of year, stepping outside means venturing into rain, sleet, snow, fog or floods.

Once you consider these disadvantages, it is easy to overlook North Yorkshire's stunning countryside, thriving wildlife, remarkable history, high standard of education and health care, beautiful buildings, varied job opportunities and generally elevated quality of life. Let's hope no one else catches on.

see NEWS 'Simply the best'

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