At the heart of Britain, the East Midlands is the fourth largest region in England and has a population of more than 4 million. Just under 40% of the population live in towns and villages of less than 10,000, making the East Midlands one of the more rural regions in England. As a result, the region is characterised by a wide range of contrasting landscapes.

46 local authorities (including the Peak District National Park Authority) make up the region which spans the historic ‘shire’ counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire, plus the newly re-formed county of Rutland. All of which are represented collectively by Local Government East Midlands (LGEM) – www.lg-em.gov.uk The principle urban areas are the cities of Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Lincoln and the county town of Northampton.

The region has excellent transport links with much of the East Midlands well-served by road and rail networks - this and the developing routes for the region’s airport makes it ideally located to serve the largest markets of the UK and Europe.

Significant figures from all walks of life have been born in England’s East Midlands. These range from contemporary figures such as the yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur and footballer now broadcaster Gary Linekar, to historic and cultural icons such as King Richard III. It is also the birthplace to world famous writers and poets such as Tennyson, Dryden, Byron and Lawrence, not to mention the pioneers Sir Isaac Newton, who set down the laws of gravity and John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.

Outstanding natural assets coupled with a rich heritage and cultural mix and a national reputation for sporting excellence - make the region a very pleasant place to live.

Select a Council from the list below.