WORCESTER has been named as the second happiest place to live in the West Midlands, a survey has revealed.

Conducted by Rightmove, the survey asked people how proud of their home they were, how satisfied with its decoration they were, how safe people felt in their communities, whether they felt there was enough living space, how friendly their neighbours were and whether they worry about the value of their property among others.

Pat Agar, Mayor of Worcester, said: "I am delighted to hear that result and it's great to hear people in this city are happy. To hear that people feel safe in this town is good news too.

"It's a very liveable city to be in. It's not overly big and people are generally friendly and helpful here, as reflected in the survey.

"A lot of investment has gone into the city in recent times, with the university's arena and The Hive examples of this, and it's great to hear that Worcester is starting to become noticed. We have state of the art facilities here, with a university that continues to grow.

"The whole point of the council across the board is to make the people's lives better who live here, and this shows everyone is doing a good job in doing that.

"Let's see if we can't become City of Culture too, there's no reason why not."

Telford was deemed the happiest place to live in the West Midlands, with Shrewsbury completing the top three.

Lorraine-Alan Smith, speaking on the Worcester News Facebook page, said: "I moved here in 1993 and cant imagine living any where else.I was born in Mansfield Nottinghamshire."

However, Karen Mcdonald, 45, speaking on the same page, said: " I hate Worcester. I have lived here all my life. The younger years were great."

Jez Cole posted: "Not if you drive in Worcester."

50,000 people were surveyed nationwide and Harrogate, Yorkshire, was voted the happiest place to live in Britain.

Inverness, Taunton, Stockport, Falkirk, Norwich, Hull, Preston, Truro and Telford completing the top 10 nationwide.

East London, Ilford, Croydon, East Central London,Twickenham, Enfield, North London, Harrow, South East London and West London were voted the ten least happy places to live in Britain.