Towns are among happiest in the land

Two Fylde coast towns have been named among the happiest places to live in the UK.

Lytham and St Annes were jointly named the fifth most cheerful residences by property website Rightmove.

The accolade was awarded based on a number of features in the area, including a strong sense of belonging and blossoming community spirit.

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The study of 24,000 people across the country asked residents to rank 12 factors about their local area, from how friendly their neighbours are and how much people feel that they can be themselves, to how good the local services are.

The survey also revealed that fewer people in Blackpool believed they earned enough money, compared with other areas of the country taking part in the study.

Top spot was taken by Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, with only Troon, Harrogate and Hertford ranking above Lytham and St Annes.

Harrogate had occupied the top spot for the last three years.

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Abiola Oni, Rightmove’s research manager, said: “It seems the saying that we do like to ‘be beside the seaside’ is true, whether you’re down in the East of England or up in Scotland.

“Obviously what ‘happy’ means to different people can vary greatly, but when you compare the factors which score highest in the happiest areas, it shows just how important having friendly people in the local community area is, alongside the services and amenities, which is something buyers often tell us when they are looking in new areas to live.

Space is also one of the most important things when people are looking for a new home, so it’s not surprising that places with open spaces such as beautiful parks and beaches have featured in the top 10.”