PENARTH has been named among the best places to live in the UK.
Our quaint Victorian seaside town is no longer one of Wales' best kept secrets.
As local residents we know what a special place Penarth is, there is something for everyone, no matter what age, class or culture, with numerous attractions making it a tourist hot-spot throughout the year.
Now it seems others are beginning to notice too.
A national newspaper recently named Penarth in its latest Best Places to Live list.
A comprehensive account of the most desirable locations across the country the list takes into account transport links, quality of schools, natural beauty, crime rates, property prices, cultural life, and individual assests such as local architecture and prominent attractions.
It is described as an invaluable for anyone starting a family, retiring or planning a move.
Penarth was largely chosen for its family appeal.
Penarth was also said to suit relocating city professionals who recognise a good thing, and that its sturdy Victorian family homes typically cost £400,000.
Unsuprisingly it was also named highly on the list of the best in Wales.

The Penarth Times took to the streets to find out what Penarthians thought was best about our town.
Local mum Leigharne Phillips said it was the schools for her. "The schools attracted us in the first place," said the mum of nine-year-old Westbourne Juniors pupil Isaac. "They have good curriculums, and good reports and ratings. It has lovely scenery. We love it here."
Twenty-year-old Jaimee Esccott said there was something for everyone.
"For people my age there are some nice bars like Pier 64 and Bar 44. I think we are lucky where we live."
Freda Evans, 81, agreed. She said: "Penarth is nice and compact, which is very important for people my age. You can walk from one end of town to the other no problem and still get everything you need.
Roger Hole, who has lived in Penarth for 35 years, said: "I love the seafront personally and cannot wait for the new pavilion to open. I think it could see a new era for Penarth."
Maddie Welsh, born and bred in Penarth, said she would probably never leave.
"Penarth is a great place to live," she said. "Stanwell is a great school, I went there and so did both my children. The town centre is vibrant and buzzing, we have attractions a plenty both in Penarth and in Cardiff Bay. What more could you want."
Arcot Street homeowner Dave Dolby said: "Penarth is a town which thinks its a village. Everone knows everyone. It's bustling by day but quiet by night. That is what you want."
Penarth Town Mayor Councillor Philip Rapier called the Sunday Times endorsement futher enhancement for Penarth's excellent reputation.
"As very proud residents of our community in the 'Garden by the Sea' we have always known of our enviable reputation and that it is one of the UK's best kept secrets," he said
"The restoration of Penarth Pier Pavillion project clearly demonstrates that our residents are determined to maintain these high standards for the future.
"We look forward to welcoming new visitors to our town as a result in the future."
Local estate agent Tony Jones, owner of ACJ properties said: "There are very few places where you can live by the sea and yet be in close proximity to the capital city's sporting, cultural and shopping facilitates, including the benefit of the mainline station that can take you to London in two hours. Families move to Penarth because of the combination of high quality new and traditional family homes that are complemented by the excellent schools.
"In addition, the town attracts 25-35 year olds, the largest sector of the rental market, that can live in converted period properties and modern one or two bedroom flats on the marina, beside good quality restaurants and nice bars."
Former chair of the Penarth Chamber of Trade, Peter Knowles, said: "We have a good mix of retail in our town. There are plenty of independant shops including an independant book shop which is increasingly rare.
"That mix is a unique selling point. Businesses want to come to Penarth. That is a good sign. Vacant shops don't stay empty very long.
"You can spend lots of quality time in Penarth. You don't have to look elsewhere. But that said we are relatively short drives from both the Brecon Beacons and the Gower and a mere ten minutes from the M4.
"Our locations geographically is a good selling point."
Fellow Vale town Cowbridge was also chosen by the Sunday Times list.