Norfolk has been rated as one of the best places to live in the country for its culture and environment - but poorly on the availability of good, stable jobs.

The Thriving Places Index gave areas of the country scores depending on survey respondents' answers to questions on their quality of life.

The county was given high ratings in environment, life expectancy, people's participation in the community and its sense of culture.

However the research - conducted by the charity Happy City - gave Norfolk a low rating for good jobs, which is based on whether people are in permanent, stable employment as oppose to short-term, temporary contracts.

The county is known to be facing more than 1,000 potential job losses with the closure of the Colman's and Britvic site, along with the CITB's planned relocation to Peterborough and 231 BAE Systems workers facing redundancy at RAF Marham.

Eastern Daily Press: Hopton beach. Picture: NICK BUTCHERHopton beach. Picture: NICK BUTCHER (Image: Archant)

However the county actually scores better for people who are economically active.

John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council, said the area has a 'dynamic economy' but added: 'For those who want a slow pace of life, there's plenty to offer.'

He added that there are a number of well-paid, high-level jobs - particularly in food and farming, where Norfolk is known to be an international leader in agricultural research.

'In Norfolk you can match real high ambition with quality of life,' Mr Fuller said.

Eastern Daily Press: People enjoying the sunshine on the beach at Cromer. Photo: Antony Kelly.People enjoying the sunshine on the beach at Cromer. Photo: Antony Kelly.

'We have superb natural assets like the Broads and a wonderful coastline - and you can't forget the global brand that is Cambridge right on our doorstep. We've got everything.'

Mr Fuller said one of the challenges for councils is attracting the best candidates to high quality jobs.

But he said: 'Let's not underestimate the global leadership in food, drink and agriculture research here.

'Some of the solutions to the challenges of the next 50 years for humanity are coming out of Norfolk.

'To match that with our world-class landscape, coastline and environment is a great thing.'

Suffolk scored similarly to Norfolk in most categories, although it got slightly less for culture and was rated higher for good jobs.

Cambridgeshire scored more highly across the board, particularly for employment and life expectancy.

What do you think about the quality of life in Norfolk? Write, giving your full contact details, to andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk