CHESTER is the happiest place to live in Cheshire, according to a new survey.

The city came out top across the county as part of list of the 70 happiest places in the UK, compiled by online store Furniturebox.

Taking second place in Cheshire was Wilmslow, Knutsford was third, Macclesfield was fourth and Nantwich 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 Cheshire.

Chester is unique in many ways, with so much history, great architecture, many shops, canal side pubs, restaurants, a world class racecourse and one of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals.

A Furniturebox spokesperson said: “Chester is the happiest place to live in Cheshire.

“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.

George and Beckles are part of a new breed of ‘Gen Z entrepreneurs’ creating ecommerce businesses worth millions.

The full list of the UK’s 70 happiest places is available in on the Furniturebox’s website.