MALMESBURY is the happiest place to live in Wiltshire, according to a new survey.

The historic market town was the highest-rated location in the county in a list of the 70 happiest places by online store Furniturebox.

It also came 13th on Furniturebox’s national list, which was headed up by Stratford-upon-Avon.

In second place in Wiltshire was Chippenham, Marlborough was third, Wootton Bassett was fourth and Salisbury 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 Wiltshire.

A Furniturebox spokesperson said: “Malmesbury is the happiest place to live in Wiltshire.

“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