THE VALE of Glamorgan has been named the happiest place in Wales.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics ranked the Vale above all other local authorities in Wales for happiness.

In a study carried out between October 2015 and September 2016, people were asked to answer the question "Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday?"

In response participants ranked their answers between zero and 10 with zero being not at all happy and 10 being completely happy.

The study was done by local authority area in Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Vale scored 7.68 out of 10 just ahead of Anglesey with 7.67.

Newport ranked the lowest with an average score of 7.24 with Merthyr Tydfil coming second bottom with 7.27

The Welsh average was 7.44.

Councillor Neil Moore, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said he is "delighted but not surprised" that the Vale tops a list of the happiest places in Wales.

"We are fortunate to have some truly breathtaking scenery on our doorstep, with the likes of Penarth Pier and Esplanade and the heritage coast, the envy of many across the country," he said.

"In addition, the recent work carried out at Barry Island has transformed that into another first-class coastal location.

Five seaside resorts have received national coast awards, including two prestigious Blue Flag awards.

"We are proud to boast seven parks across the county with Green-Flag status, the mark of a top-rate outdoor space.

"There is also plenty to be proud of when it comes to urban areas around the Vale.

"There is a thriving independent shopping scene in the likes of Barry, Penarth, and Cowbridge.

"A number of our schools have excelled in national assessments and as a council we have emerged as the top-performing local authority in Wales for two years running."