Oxfordshire has been named the sexiest county in Britain.

The September edition of Tatler describes Oxfordshire as the best-connected place in the country.

When the high-society magazine listed its Top Ten social counties last year, Oxfordshire only just made it on to the list, but it has now risen to the top.

According to the article, the paparazzi could earn more by staking out junction nine of the M40 than by staying outside one of London's most glamorous restaurants The Ivy.

As well as mentioning Oxfordshire's rich and famous visitors, the feature lists the county's resident celebrities who give it its sexy status.

These include the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace, Sir Richard Branson in Kidlington, and film director Sam Mendes in Shipton-under-Wychwood. Rock groups Radiohead and Supergrass also get a mention.

Also included is former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who lives in Chipping Norton - described by Tatler as the county's G-spot!

Tatler editor Geordie Greig said Oxfordshire's status as sexiest county could push house prices in the area up even further.

He said: "At the moment, a lot of people want to live in Oxfordshire rather than Berkshire or Gloucestershire.

"Tatler can be quite influential. Our article could push up the demand for houses in the area.

"The county is not flamboyant and rather hides its light under a bushel, but it has a huge number of famous people living there and a wonderful combination of sex, glamour, rock 'n' roll and Formula 1 racing. Oxford is also packed with intellectuals."

Mr Greig, who graduated from St Peter's College, Oxford, in 1981, is himself a frequent visitor to the county as his sister, Laura, lives near Wantage.

He said: "The people who have been in Oxfordshire for a long time are incredibly generous, warm and friendly. The real Oxfordshire people are fantastic."

Chelsea Clinton's decision to study at Oxford University has also given it back its title of most fashionable university, according to the article.

Other famous residents include George Harrison at Friar Park in Henley, Rowan Atkinson at Waterperry, and Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons in Great Milton.

County facts AREA: 1,000 square miles/640,000 acres

COST PER ACRE: £2,000

COST OF PILE: Seven bedrooms, pool and tennis court - £1.5-£4m.

HOW MANY PEOPLE: 600,000.

BIGGEST ESTATE: Blenheim in Woodstock at 11,500 acres

BEST SHOOT: Lord Hambleden's estate near Henley

BEST PARTIES: Never turn down a Getty invitation

BEST WINE CELLAR: Sir John Paul Getty's at Wormsley Park

MOST FANCIED WIFE: Michelle Cadbury

MOST FANCIED HUSBAND Jeremy Irons

RICHEST RESIDENT: Sir Richard Branson at £1.15bn