Key workers such as teachers, nurses, firefighters and police officers cannot afford to buy homes in seven out of 10 UK towns, including Watford.

That is the finding of the Halifax which divided average regional property prices by average annual wages.

It said property was most unaffordable in London and South-East England.

In Watford the average price of a property in Watford from January to March this year was £239,316, compared with £162,583 five years ago.

Nurses working in Watford would need to find almost nine and a half times their salary to be able to afford to become homeowners, according to the latest statistics from the Halifax.

A leading fire officer in the town earning £27,867 would need to find 8.3 times the average salary.

Full time teachers on an average salary of £32,350 would need 7.6 times the typical wage to buy an average priced house and a copper up to the rank of sergeant needs almost seven times - 6.9 times - the average £35,578 salary for that rank.

Are you a key worker struggling to get on the property ladder in south west Hertfordshire? Tell us your story by filling out the form below.