THE market town of Hexham is the happiest place to live in Britain, a survey says.
The Northumberland town’s attractions include a farmers’ market, Viking-themed events, plenty of independent shops — and England’s earliest purpose-built jail.
Mayor Bob Hull said: “We have a really strong sense of community up here, which I think is a major reason why residents feel so happy.”
Hexham topped a poll of 22,000 people who did the Happy At Home survey from online estate agents Rightmove.
It was followed by Harrogate, North Yorks; Richmond, West London; Skipton, North Yorks; and Llandrindod Wells in Powys, mid-Wales.
Homes in Hexham are about £50,000 less than the national average of £302,808, Rightmove said.
The survey asked whether people felt safe, had a sense of community, earned enough and had friendly neighbours.
Rightmove found the South West was the happiest region, followed by the South East.
Leigh-on-Sea in Essex came top in last year’s survey.