TOWNS in our area have been named as the happiest places to live in Gloucestershire.

Stroud was the second highest-rated location in the county in a list of the 70 happiest places by online store Furniturebox.

Meanwhile, Tetbury came fifth in the ranking.

Cheltenham came first, Cirencester came third and Chipping Campden came fourth.

Locations were ranked according to the beauty of the surroundings and green spaces, provision of good state schools and affordable housing, as well as access to quality pubs, restaurants, independent shops and cultural attractions.

Furniturebox polled 5,000 people, with panels in each big city and county including Gloucestershire.

A Furniturebox spokesperson said: “All 70 places on the list would have been worthy winners and show why the UK is such a wonderful place to live, loved by visitors from all over the world.

“Most of the locations in the top 70 are not the most affluent in their localities and have access to some affordable housing.

“The survey shows that the happiest places are not defined by wealth but by the quality of life within them.”

Discover the full list of the UK’s 70 happiest places via tinyurl.com/mkzpxnhb