WEST Somerset has been the named at the fourth happiest place in the UK, according to a national well-being survey published this week.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the district also rates the highest nationally as a place where people feel worthwhile.

The ONS revealed the findings after publishing details of its happiness survey that looked at four measures of well-being: Happiness, life satisfaction, feeling life was worthwhile and anxiety.

West Somerset scored highly overall, coming in a fraction behind the top three areas – Fermanagh and Omagh in Northern Ireland, the Ribble Valley in Lancashire and Eilean Siar in the Outer Hebrides.

The findings are delighting civic leaders in West Somerset who said that it proved how highly people value the glorious countryside and coast, moorland and the distinctive character of its towns and villages.

Cllr Karen Mills, whose responsibilities include economic development and tourism, said: “I am delighted but not surprised West Somerset residents rate their area so highly.

“We may not have the buzz of a big city or the affluence of some areas but we do have Exmoor, the Quantocks, the wide sandy beaches at Minehead and the rugged coastline.

“There’s a real community spirit that’s alive and well in West Somerset and that is something that cannot be bought or manufactured. I think we should all be extremely proud of where we live – and I hope this spurs more people to come and find out for themselves why we are happy where we live.”

The Gazette would love to know your thoughts. What is it that makes West Somerset a happy place to live, is it the countryside, the slower pace of life, the community spirit or something else?

Let us know in the comments below or email steven.salter@nqsw.co.uk.