HEXHAM will do all it can to remain among the happiest places in the UK.

That's the uplifting message from the town's Mayor, Bob Hull, after Hexham narrowly missed out on defending its national title.

Hexham hit the national headlines in December 2019, when it was crowned the happiest place to live in Britain, after 22,000 people responded to Rightmove’s happy at home index survey.

This year, Hexham, had to settle for 12th place in the national rankings, but Coun. Hull said it was still worth celebrating.

Speaking at December's meeting of Hexham Town Council, Coun. Hull said: "Hexham's year as the happiest place in the country came to an end.

"It is with sadness that we see the accolade go, but to finish so high once again is still a great achievement. We remain number one in the North-East, and Hexham is still an amazing place to live and visit. The challenge for next year is to remain among the happiest places to live in the UK."

Meanwhile, councillors are in the process of improving signage in the town.

Coun. Hull said the current town welcome signs, first installed over 15 years ago, were in need of an upgrade.

Coun. Mark Graham said new 'you are here' maps for Hexham had arrived, and "look great".