PEOPLE who live in the Forest of Dean are happier than those in the rest of Gloucestershire, according to an Office for National Statistics report.

The Forest rates well-being at 7.67 out of ten, as does neighbouring Monmouthshire, but Herefordshire folk seem to be feeling even better about life, scoring 7.71 in the 2016 government well-being survey.

Figures, recorded to March 2016, are based on a survey with a sample of UK adults, who are asked how satisfied they are with their life, how worthwhile they feel their actions are and how happy or anxious they are.

The happiest place in Britain appeared to be Northern Ireland, while Londoners seemed to find what they do in life least worthwhile.

Dawn Snape, at the Office for National Statistics, said: “We have seen personal well-being improve over the past five years, but today’s data enables people to explore what’s been happening in their local area. This will help individuals, communities and local authorities to look at well-being locally alongside other traditional measures of progress.”

To view the report visit www.ons.gov.uk and search for ‘happiness’.