Hastings has been named as the happiest place in Sussex, according to a national survey.

Following a report from the Office for National Statistics, research shows that residents in the borough are on average happier than other places in the county. The town also ranked highly in life satisfaction and low for levels of anxiety.

Data from the ONS also suggests that the people of Hastings are happier than in previous years, with the average score on happiness rising since 2011.

Cllr Paul Barnett, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “We are pleased that this survey has shown our town to be the happiest place to live in the county. We are lucky to have some beautiful coastline combined with fabulous countryside, and a wonderful community spirit where people look out for one another.

“We know that there is still work to be done to help our most vulnerable residents to make sure they are leading happy and fulfilled lives. We are committed to working with partners across the borough to achieve this.”

The survey measured happiness and life satisfaction by giving each region in Sussex a score based on an average taken from participants.

Hastings scored 7.9 out of a possible 10, ranking it top ahead of Lewes on 7.81 and Arun on 7.76.

Other areas in Sussex such as Brighton scored a 7.26, whereas Worthing scored 7.48. The least happy place in Sussex was listed as Crawley, scoring 7.08.

The survey also looked at how satisfied people in each area are with their lives. Here, Hastings scored 7.69, rank the borough sixth in the region.

The analysis by the ONS is part of an annual study into the mood of the nation.

Overall, the mood of the nation is said to have improved in 2022 after dipping between 2018 and 2021 in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Similarly, the percentage of people feeling low life satisfaction or high levels of anxiety decreased during this period.

Improvements in life satisfaction were also seen across all regions of the UK.