WINCHESTER is the happiest city in Great Britain, according to new research.

A study by Raisin UK has revealed the 'cost of happiness' across the country – with the former capital taking the top spot.

The average salary for people living and working in Winchester is £35,346, a figure higher than the UK average.

Experts at Raisin say that Brits need to earn a minimum of £33,864 to be truly happy.

Co-founder Kevin Mountford said: “Whilst our research suggests money can buy happiness it’s not always the case in real life when put into action.

"We analysed data from ONS personal well-being reports and the Happy Planet Index to reveal the cities in the UK where money can buy you happiness and how much you need to earn to buy that happiness.

"Money does help ease the stresses of daily life which could mean a longer life expectancy in the long-term. Using the Raisin UK does money buy happiness research, can help you decide which city across the UK and country in the world to live in to be the happiest you possibly can."

Winchester beat Lichfield and Chichester to first place. The cities came second and third respectively.

The money saving company also found that the average salary you need to earn around the world to be happy is £64,057.

In the top 10 happiest countries, which features Luxembourg at the top, the average salary is £64,057.28.

Mr Mountford said this suggests that "happiness across the world is achieved more easily if people are earning close to that £65k mark".