Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds have been named as two of Britain's happiest places to live in new study.

The Suffolk towns have been ranked third and eighth respectively in the latest edition of Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index, which asks residents how they feel about where they live.

Cities, towns and villages were ranked based on factors such as whether people feel there is a sense of belonging, the proximity to green spaces, local amenities and whether there is a community spirit.

More than 21,000 people responded to the survey, with St Ives in Cornwall top and the Scottish town of Galashiels in second.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bury St Edmunds was also named in the surveyBury St Edmunds was also named in the survey (Image: Newsquest)

Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds were the only places in the East of England to make the top 20.

Earlier this year, Woodbridge was named as one of the best places to live in the East of England by The Sunday Times newspaper.

Boxford, between Sudbury and Hadleigh, was also included in the list.

John Risby, director of Choose Woodbridge, said he was delighted to hear the town had been included in Rightmove's guide. 

East Anglian Daily Times: John Risby, director of Choose WoodbridgeJohn Risby, director of Choose Woodbridge (Image: Choose Woodbridge)

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to hear Woodbridge has once again been recognised nationally as a great place to live.

"Just as the name of the index suggests, our town really is a happy place to live, work and visit.

"We are truly blessed here, be it the surrounding natural beauty of the River Deben and Kyson Hill, or our high streets bustling with life and a sea of independent shops.

"We regularly hear from visitors about how much they love coming to Woodbridge – and we hope our inclusion will bring more new faces to our town to see first-hand just what makes us so special."

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property science, said: "This year’s Happy at Home survey really shows that the things that make people happy to live in their area are not so much the physical aspects of that area but more the personal aspects, such as our sense of belonging, the community and the people.

"The last few months have undoubtedly been difficult for many, and as we learned during another difficult period in 2020, this is often when we look to our local area and community for support and happiness."