NORTHWICH has been ranked as the third happiest place to live in the north west.

The town was also rated and the 12th cheeriest place across the whole of Great Britain.

This is according to property website Rightmove after a survey of more than 22,000 people living in 194 areas across the country.

Its annual Happy at Home Index asks residents how happy they are where they live, based on 12 happiness factors.

These range from how safe residents feel and how friendly neighbours are to how good local services are and the level of community spirit.

Northwich Guardian:

Two other Cheshire localities followed Northwich as happy places to live in the north west.

Macclesfield was ranked 4th and Chester 5th, but both came below Altrincham and Southport, who came first and second respectively.

The Northumberland market town of Hexham was crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain.

This was closely followed by Harrogate in Yorkshire and Richmond upon Thames in London.

Galashiels leads the way for Scotland and Llandrindod Wells tops the Welsh table.

To see the rankings in full, visit rightmove.co.uk/news/happy-at-home.