Why this East Yorkshire village is the best place to raise a family

Swanland, an old hill village on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, and the village of Dunnington, near York, were both named in the top 10 in a study which examined factors including quality of schools, childcare provision, affordability of living and crime. Dunnington has made the list for the past three consecutive years.

The research, commissioned by Family Investments, chose the Nottinghamshire market town of Bingham as the best, noting 77 per cent of its GCSE pupils achieved A* to C grades compared with the national average of 43 per cent.

This does not, however, quite match the performance of the main secondary school serving Swanland, South Hunsley, where the figure was 80 per cent.

South Hunsley ward councillor Julie Abraham said of Swanland: “It’s got a good community feel. There are various village associations and they are all working to do their best for the village.

“I think Swanland like the East Riding as a whole is a lovely place to bring up a family.”

Swanland was famous for its pair of swans who lived on the village pond until the male was found with broken wings about 10 years ago, possibly after being injured defending the nest. He died after surgery and the pen was later taken to a sanctuary after becoming distressed at being unable to find her partner during the mating season.

“It was heartbreaking to see her walking up the street and down the road waiting for him,” said resident Yvonne Dumsday.