The statistics tell us this because we live longer, achieve better and earn more than much of the rest of the country.

As someone who moved from outside the county it comes as little surprise that this is the case - my own standards of living and quality of life have improved with more options available in most aspects of life.

However there are those in the Vale that will not feel this is the best place to live.

Statistics cannot help everyone and, particularly in the built up areas, there are still stark reminders of depravation that are a feature of every modern town and city.

It is right to feel good that we live in a county that offers so much, but considering that the average house price is over £313,000 there is a risk that the wedge between rich and poor will become wider.

As a full time worker on the current national average wage it would be impossible to find an average size house that one could afford and we run the risk that our young skilled work-force is being priced out of the county.

There is still a lot to be done to help less fortunate people and, particularly with soaring living costs and increasing energy prices, to ensure we do not become complacent or rest on our laurels for too long.

There is still more that can be done.

Who's a fool?

Well done to those eagle-eyed web users who spotted the spoof story on the Bucks Herald's website this week.

It is good to see that people took the story in their stride and even those that fell for it managed to laugh at themselves for falling for the story.

If only there was an ounce of truth in the story and work was taking place on the east-west rail link to make Aylesbury more accessible.

We promise that we will continue from now until next April Fools' Day to report the truth.