Just William, the Hitch hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy  and Alice in Wonderland have  been revealed as some of the  top mood-busting books.

Brighton and Hove City Council  public health officials believe settling down with a good book can
help boost a person’s mood and  banish the negative feelings.

The council has now compiled a  list of 21 “mood-busting” books  following a poll of library users in  January.

The Happy Book scheme asked  people to tell them about their  favourite feel-good novel or poetry
through email, Facebook and  Twitter.

People were also invited to fill  out postcards available in libraries and Mind charity shops across the  city.

Mind in Brighton and Hove and  the national Reading Well campaign teamed up with the council
to back the scheme.

The joint first winners were  Terry Pratchett books and Cold  Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons.

The Pratchett titles were  Witches Abroad, Raising Steam,  Wyrd Sisters and Fifth Elephant.

Brighton and Hove director of  public health, Tom Scanlon, said: “We’ve had a brilliant response
from residents to this scheme and  it is clear that there are a lot of  uplifting books out there.

“Picking up a good book when  you are feeling low could mean not  having to pick up a prescription.

“So I would encourage people to  get to their local libraries and  bookshops and to share their choices with their friends.

“Sharing views on enjoyable  books is also an excellent way for  people to connect with one  another.”

The Argus last month revealed  how a growing number of people  across Sussex who are worried
about money and their jobs are  being admitted to hospital with  stress and anxiety.

Cases of depression and low  moods tend to be more common  during the winter months, with  bad weather and shorter days having a negative impact on people’s wellbeing.

Around one in four people will  experience a mental health problem at some point during their lifetime.