A SOUTH Essex town has been ranked among the happiest places to live in the UK, according to a new survey.

Brentwood was ranked the highest rated location in the county, in a list of the 70 happiest places to live in the UK by online store Furniturebox.

In second place was Saffron Walden, Colchester was third, Manningtree was fourth and Epping was fifth.

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 Essex.

Brentwood has a rich history while also being modern and lively - and with great transport links to London, there are many career opportunities.

Becket Keys Church of England Free School is rated outstanding by Ofsted along with St Joseph the Worker Catholic Primary School and Shenfield St Mary’s Church of England Primary School.

Popular pubs in Brentwood include the Spread Eagle and the Nags Head.

A Furniturebox spokesman said: “Brentwood is the happiest place to live in Essex.

“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.”

Furniturebox was founded by former school friends Monty George and Dan Beckles, both aged 26, eight years ago and is already a rival to Dunelm, Habitat and Ikea as one of the UK’s leading furniture brands.

Find out the full list of the UK’s 70 happiest places in Furniturebox’s guide.