IF you live in the Rochford district, with its quiet rural villages and prosperous, bustling town centres, you’re likely to be among the happiest Britons around.

The claim has been made after an Office of National Statistics survey ranked the district among ten places in the UK where the most residents were satisfied, happy people.

Between 2012 and 2014, the survey asked how the public satisfied they were with their lives on a scale of 0 to ten – ten being completely satisfied.

When the numbers were finally crunched, Rochford, Rayleigh, and outlying villages such as Stambridge, Paglesham, Ashingdon, Hawkwell and Hockley, scored an average of 7.9, making it the happiest district in Essex.

So why should this be the case?

It has been suggested it’s a combination of heritage, low crime, community spirit, traditional pubs, beautiful open spaces, such as Cherry Orchard Country Park, traditional rural villages, high house prices, school performance, and easy transport links to London and Southend.

Whatever the reason, most locals seem to agree it’s a great place to live, work and play.

Terry Cutmore, Tory leader of Rochford District Council, said “We’ve come fairly close to the top in several national satisfaction polls in the past. It shows it is a great place to be.

“The district has lots of green areas, it’s close to the resort of Southend, but London is also on the doorstep, with a good rail network.

“It’s a great place to live and if people are generally happy, then it’s a great thing.”

Mike Davies, chairman of the Rayleigh Through the Looking Glass heritage group said he was very proud of the town where he lived, describing it as a great place.

He added: “I think one of the key attributes of the whole area is the community spirit. Despite the fact lots of our towns and villages in the district have grown so much over the past 150 years, they have maintained their identity.

The number of empty shops is low and we have a vibrant night-time economy in Rayleigh.

There are rare incidents of crime – it’s only a small problem.

“We have a lovely high street, what more could youwant? There are lots of open spaces, such as Hockley Woods or the river at Hullbridge.

“There is a diverse range of things for people to do and a wealth of heritage.”

‘It’s a great place to live and if people are generally happy, then it’s a great thing."

David Scoging, 82, of Albert Road, Rochford, said: “I’ve lived here for two years now and I wouldn’t have stayed here if I didn’t like it. It’s really friendly and there are lots of good shops. It’s a really nice area to live in. There is a great bus and train service and I would recommend it. I happy here, and so are my family.”

Shaun Holmes, 50, who works in East Street, Rochford, said: “It’s a brilliant place to live. It’s the village life that makes it so nice. There’s a real sense of community. Everyone knows each other. Generations of families live here – the same families who have lived here for years, but new people also fit in fine. I’ve lived here for years and it’s a lovely place.”

Lynn Peacher, 50, owner of Perfectly Peachie, in West Street, Rochford, said: “People in the town all seem really happy, it is such a nice community, with all the pubs, the shops and new shops opening. People always seem happy when they come into my shop. It’s really nice here.”

The population of the Rochford District is about 83,000.

The average gross weekly pay for full-time workers is £569.Nationally, it is just £520 ! The average price of a home in the district is £250,804. Detached homes sell for an average of £363,738, while terraced properties fetch £203,90. The national average is £284,478 for a detached home and £137,123 for aterraced one.

The council’s leisure facilities,are run by Fusion Lifestyle, ahighlyexperienced sports and leisureorganisation.

72 per cent of GCSE candidates gained five or more A* to C grades including English and maths last year.