WE all know Somerset is a wonderful county.

And the rest of the country is getting the message.

Shepton Mallet has been voted among the best loved market towns in the UK.

It polled fifth in a National Express summer survey of 1,000 people designed to uncover the nation's favourite market towns.

It is hoped the poll will offer summer travel inspiration - and perhaps encourage people to visit Shepton Mallet and other destinations in Somerset.

Here's the list of the UK's most popular market towns - although we don't necessarily agree with it!

1 Ross-on-Wye (Herefrordshire).

2 Thirsk (North Yorkshire).

3 Grantham (Lincolnshire).

4 Bedford (Bedfordshire).

5 SHEPTON MALLET (SOMERSET).

6 Chippenham (Wiltshire).

7 Ledbury (Herefordshire).

8 = Fareham (Hampshire), Bridport (Dorset) and Devizes (Wiltshire).

11 Wareham (Dorset).

10 Fareham (Hampshire).

National Express managing director Tom Stables said: “Somerset is a stunning county and Shepton Mallet, which is rich with history and packed with points of interest, is a real gem so it’s hardly surprising it is regarded as one of the best towns in the UK.

"It’s tough to think of anything more quintessentially British than a market town and we think that’s worth celebrating."