IT received worldwide attention last year when it was named the happiest place to live in Britain – but a Tynedale town has failed to hold onto its crown. 

Hexham has been named the 12th happiest place to live in the UK, according to Rightmove’s happy at home index survey.

The results come after 21,000 people responded to a survey where 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.

Rightmove found that people living in rural areas were happier with where they live than respondents living in cities and urban areas, which reflects a nationwide trend of people desiring better access to outdoor spaces.

The full details of the survey can be accessed here: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/dream-properties/happy-at-home-index-st-ives-2020

Read more in this week's Hexham Courant