Locals have had their say after Carlisle was named as one of the happiest cities in the UK.

The border city came 7th behind Plymouth, Hereford, St Albans, Chelmsford, Preston and Inverness which was named as the happiest city in the UK.

To get the results the study examined the last five years’ worth of statistics from the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) about personal wellbeing.

This survey evaluates public sentiments across life satisfaction, feelings of achievement, joy, and anxiety levels.

Local Carlisle Hutchinson said that some people don’t know how ‘blessed’ they are to live in Carlisle.

“It’s a wonderful city,” said Carla.

“The people are friendly welcoming and approachable. It’s a proper community where if you reached out and asked for help. Strangers would help and be glad of the opportunity.

“We have wonderful transport links. Our town centre has an ever-growing list of independent shops.

“There’s so much development happening and our city is growing not just in terms of people but jobs

“There’s a football team that’s growing with a wonderful proud support.

“We so blessed with so much opportunity and hope and not a lot of people have that.

“What’s more is every day I see more people waking up to what we have and becoming outwardly proud. That warms my heart.

“What makes Carlisle the best is everyone reading this that makes up our wonderful community.”

Local resident Sam echoed Carla’s thoughts. Sam said: “I’m very proud of my City. It may not be perfect but it is still a great place to live and bring up a family and there are a lot worse places.”

Residents also defended Carlisle when it was recently listed as the worst city to visit by a national newspaper.

The Telegraph newspaper recently listed all UK cities in order from best to worst 'according to science', with Carlisle placing last.

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The newspaper judged each UK city on four criteria – ‘hospitality and amenities’; ‘culture and heritage’; ‘transport’, and; ‘nature and green spaces’.

In their words: “(Carlisle) was found to be lagging behind in Michelin restaurants as well as highly-rated pubs, Airbnb rooms as well as swanky hotels, museums as well as crime.”