MORE than 22,000 people from 194 different locations responded to Rightmove’s happy at home index survey.

Worthing was named the fifth happiest place to live in the South East and also ranked as 31st in Britain.

Chichester also made the list – in at 14th in the South East and 80th nationally.

Survey participants 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.

They were also asked about local amenities such as sports facilities, arts and culture, shops, restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, schools and green spaces.

The Northumberland market town of Hexham has been crowned the happiest place to live in Britain overall.

Northern England made up half of the top 10 list compiled by Rightmove, with Harrogate, Skipton, Altrincham and Southport also appearing.

Richmond-upon-Thames in London, Dorchester in south-west England and Sevenoaks in the South East were also in the top ten, as were Llandrindod Wells and Monmouth, both in Wales.

Rightmove’s insights expert Lydia Yao said: “This just goes to show that people place enormous value on living somewhere that they’re proud to call home.

“Our results also show that having friendly neighbours and being able to be yourself remain hugely important factors when measuring the happiest places to live in Great Britain.”

Looking on a broader geographical level, Rightmove also said the South West of England was found to be the happiest region, followed by the South East and the East of England.

Galashiels returned the highest score for nature and green spaces in Britain and was named as Scotland’s happiest place to live.

It finished in 11th place overall.

Llandrindod Wells was identified as the happiest place to live in Wales, coming in fifth place overall across Britain.