Oxford has been named as the best city in the UK for bookworms by a new study.

The survey was carried out by UK Saunas to mark National Book Lovers Day on August 9.

Cities were rated based on the number of libraries, bookshops and published works linked to the area.

The data revealed Oxford has 20 bookshops registered with the Booksellers Association, equating to 12.25 per 100,000 residents.

With 519 published books connected to the city, it ranked second in this category, and with 108 public libraries, equating to more than 31 per 100,000 residents, it came second in this category too.

Truro, in Cornwall, was second, Bath and Wells, both in Somerset, shared third place, Durham, in the north east, came fourth and Hereford, in the West Midlands, rounded out the top five.

Bryan Clarke, director at UK Saunas and a wellness and relaxation expert, said: "Reading is one of the most effective ways to relax and destress.

"Reading allows individuals to escape from everyday pressures and immerse themselves in different worlds.

“One of the primary reasons that reading is so relaxing is because it helps us to lower our stress levels.

"Studies have shown, in fact, that reading for just a few minutes can significantly reduce heart rate and muscle tension, as well as decrease stress hormone levels."