SANDBANKS, golden beaches, top-class state education and a highly-rated hospital. What's not to like about living in Poole?

Plenty, according to its residents, who have just rated themselves among the most miserable people in Britain.

According to the British Household Panel Survey, Poole people rate themselves as unhappier than those living in Manchester (the second happiest place in Britain, despite being the hometown of that master of misery, Morrissey, pictured), Luton (60th) and Hackney (at 105th and frequently described as one of the most deprived areas in the UK). Only in 13 other places did people feel worse off than the people of Poole.

Elsewhere in the Daily Echo area, life seems a little more satisfactory, although in some cases not by much. Purbeck came 49th, the New Forest 93rd, Bournemouth 152nd and Christchurch a lowly 254th out of 273 places.

Unlike many similar surveys, which are published for commercial reasons, the British Household Panel survey is given more weight because it has been tracking the same 10,000 households since 1991.

However, unlike previous surveys, this is the first time the panel has attempted to measure something as subjective as happiness.

Respondents were asked to answer questions usually reserved to examine conditions such as mild depression.

One of the questions was: "Have you lost much sleep over worry?" Another was: "Have you felt constantly under strain?"

However, the survey did not inquire into the reasons behind people feeling worried or strained.

Even the researchers admitted quantifying happiness is tricky.

Dimitris Ballas, of the University of Sheffield, said: "There's a lot of lively debate on what is the most appropriate measure. We found wellbeing is closely linked to staying at your current address.

"Living in your home for five years boosts happiness."

Being in an enjoyable relationship was arguably the prime cause of happiness, he said, and other factors are understood to include climate, hours of sunshine, noise and air pollution.

Given all this, the Poole public's conclusions seem even more puzzling.

They have certainly given borough leader Brian Leverett cause for thought.

"I'd contest that people are unhappy living in Poole," he said. "There is a tremendous pride of place and love of the town among residents.

"Poole has wonderful natural assets, a low crime rate and a prosperous economy.

"As a consequence, an increasing number of people are seeking to live in the town."

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