RESIDENTS of Hexham have been left grinning after the town was named the happiest place to live in the North-East.

The findings follow a survey of more than 21,000 people across the country by property website Rightmove, with Hexham coming 12th in the overall standings.

The survey asked residents about various factors, such as community spirit, feeling safe, friendliness and artistic and cultural activities.

The news hasn’t come as a surprise to some people in the town. Coun. Cath Homer, who represents Hexham East, said: “It’s a beautiful market town with a wonderful multi-faceted history, a strong sense of community, an increasingly vibrant cultural scene, coupled with lots of great places to eat and drink.

“Why wouldn’t I smile? I can’t think of any better place to live with my family and we are proud to call it home.”

Meanwhile Coun. Trevor Cessford said: “As someone who is born and bred in Hexham I consider my birthplace to be a delightful place to live.

“It’s probably fair to say that if you live here you get so used to what you have on offer that you forget how lucky you are.

“It is no wonder that visitors have a wonderful time when they come for a day out.

“I am very privileged to have been elected to serve the residents of Hexham.”