HEXHAM has been crowned the happiest place to live in Britain.

The results come after more than 22,000 people responded to Rightmove’s happy at home index survey.

They were asked questions such as the extent to which they feel a sense of community spirit, feel safe, earn enough to live comfortably and whether locals are friendly and polite.

They were also asked about local amenities such as sports facilities, arts and culture, shops, restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, schools and green spaces.

Hexham has topped the list, followed by Harrogate and Richmond-on-Thames in second and third place.

Bob Hull, mayor of Hexham, said: “We have a really strong sense of community up here, which I think is a major reason why residents feel so happy living in Hexham.

“We have a community-owned cinema and a thriving theatre and arts centre.

“Our parks have won various Green Flag awards and we’re just half an hour from Newcastle and a major airport.

“We also boast lots of cultural heritage; the town is a gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, and we have more than 200 listed buildings, which is one of the highest ratios per building of towns this size.”

Rightmove said the average price tag on a home in Hexham is £254,237 – five per cent down on 2018, but nine per cent higher than five years ago.

Homes in Hexham are typically priced at nearly £50,000 less than the national average of £302,808.

Meanwhile, the company estimated that the average price of rent for a two-bedroom property was £605.

On a list of the happiest regions overall by Rightmove, the North-East came eighth out of 10.