Sussex boasts one of the happiest towns in the UK - which also happens to be the sunniest.

According to figures from Office of National Statistics (ONS), Eastbourne residents are some of the happiest homeowners in the country after they conducted a study last year.

In 2013, the ONS asked people to rate their life satisfaction and personal wellbeing on a scale of zero to ten – zero being “not at all” and ten being “completely”.

More residents in Eastbourne, along with the other nine towns which made the top spot, gave their satisfaction and wellbeing level a score of 10.

The sunniest place in the UK is hotly contested, but according to the Met Office, Eastbourne tops that list too, thought to be a big boost to residents’ mood.

Cabinet member for tourism and leisure at Eastbourne Borough Council Carolyn Heaps said: “It is no surprise that Eastbourne is one of the happiest places in the UK in addition to being the UK’s sunniest place and we are delighted about the accolades.

“Last year the weather had a significant impact on the town’s tourism.

“During the hot weather accommodation bookings rose dramatically, beaches were busy and cafes and attractions saw a flurry of tourists.

“Being the sunniest place in the UK means that we can put on an extensive events programme including the AEGON tennis, Eastbourne Extreme and Airbourne as well as inviting residents and tourists to enjoy our beautiful seaside town.”

Meanwhile, Brighton residents are among the most anxious in the country according to the study, suggesting that those who have to face a daily commute find it hardest to crack a smile.

Dawn Snape, head of personal wellbeing at ONS, said: “While it might be assumed that wealth is a big factor in determining happiness, the results from the study demonstrated the exact opposite.

“London has the most disposable income but very little life satisfaction and very high anxiety.”

She added that factors most associated with personal wellbeing were health, employment and relationship status.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council cabinet member for communities, said: “We wholeheartedly agree that Eastbourne is a superb place to live, and the ONS findings are another boost to our already excellent reputation as the best seaside resort town in which to live and visit in the UK.

“As a council, one of our key priorities is to create a thriving local community, achieved by working in partnership with the police and other agencies to ensure Eastbourne is a safe community with low crime rates, while also investing to ensure the local environment is the best it can be with excellent leisure facilities, parks and gardens.”