Nestled midway between Braintree and Bishop's Stortford, Great Dunmow is a sizeable market town where residents describe the community as warm and welcoming. The Essex town boasts a wealth of attractions both in its centre and throughout the surrounding countryside.

One resident, who spends half the year in California, says the area is so charming that she would choose to live in Dunmow year-round were it not for her family commitments. Gina Knight, 62, said: "If I could magically bring my grandkids to Dunmow, I'd live here all year, and not just half the year." For Gina, the distinctive independent shops hold a special appeal.

She told EssexLive: "One of my favourite things about Dunmow High Street is all of the vintage antique stores. Every time I come into town, it's not a matter of if I'm going to go in, it's I'm going to go in, and I'm going to come out with some little jewel to feather my nest.

"It could be glass vases or crystal goblets - the stores on the high street for vintage shopping are just incredible, and the people who work in them are really nice and helpful. I enjoy it so much, and Dunmow in general."

Keith Knight, 83, is equally fond of life in Dunmow. He said: "What I like about Dunmow is that people are very friendly. People say hello to you on the street, and it has a wonderful small-town feel. There's a bakery, a nice butcher. It's just a very comfortable town to be in."

David Cowling, 74, notes that in the 34 years he has called the town home, very little has changed.

He said: "We have unique things like the flitch every four years, which is a not-to-miss event."

For him, the surrounding rural landscape is essential. He added: "We have some nice walks around here."

David said there are strawberry farms within walking distance, though he is concerned new housing developments could place increasing pressure on local amenities.

Patricia Cowling, 71, believes the town is perfectly situated for countryside rambles. She said: "It's so accessible for walking to lots of different places. There's Little Easton, which is a nice country walk, and there's Doctors Pond."

The town itself has much to offer too, she adds. "The high street has got the history of Sweetlands [butchers], which has been there for years, and on top of all that, everyone is so very friendly. It is a lovely, lovely place to be and live in."