PROFILE: Wellington

Rich in history and ripe with potential, the Wellington area is an increasingly popular place to live as homebuyers appreciate its excellent amenities, first-class transport links and beautiful countryside.

Wellington itself is a vibrant town (population 12,000) with a proud heritage and a strong sense of community. Beyond its boundaries lies a patchwork of charming villages and hamlets that capture the quintessential spirit of rural Somerset and Devon.

Excellent motorway routes to London, Bristol and the South West make Wellington a top target for businesses large and small, and for commuters who appreciate that an idyllic lifestyle may be no more than a 30-minute drive from their big-city desks.

The area boasts some excellent schools, both state and independent, and quality of life is second to none. The landmark Wellington Monument and the town's award-winning Edwardian park are but two among a bookful of beauty spots that demand exploration.

Those seeking retail therapy appreciate Wellington's unique mix of niche shops and comment frequently on the friendly, personal service so often lacking among the High Street chain store giants. The area is also rich in culture, with a host of thriving arts groups.

For tbe more energetic, Wellington has two of the best leisure centres for miles and a sporting culture which embraces everything from pub skittles to league cricket, football and rugby. Facilities at Wellington School's state-of-the-art sports complex are so good that it has been tipped as a possible training base for competitors in the 2012 Olympics.

A town for all seasons and reasons, Wellington has earned the right to be one of the South West's growing property hot spots.