SMILE, you’re in Dorchester. Dorset’s county town has been named as one of the top 10 happiest towns in the country.

A survey of more than 25,000 people revealed that Durnovarians are among the nation’s happiest residents.

The questionnaire put together by property firm Rightmove looked at things like size, value and decor of homes, safety, friendliness of neighbours and the quality of local amenities.

Dorchester, along with Exeter, was flying the flag for southern England with northern towns such as top-placed Carlisle, York, Huddersfield and Harrogate dominating the top 10.

Mayor of the county town Tess James is in as good a place as anyone to judge why people in the town are so happy as she has been asking people to write to her about what the town means to them as she works on a song for Dorchester.

She says she has been inundated with suggestions from Durnovarians of all ages, outlining the many things Dorchester has to offer.

Councillor James said: “I have got lots of ideas why people are happy, it’s friendly, it’s a nice size and the children think it never rains and everybody’s got dogs.

“There is also a good sense of community and we have got lovely green spaces like the Borough Gardens.

“You will hear it all in our song!”

Coun James said the thing which had come out most strongly in the responses for the song for Dorchester, which will be performed for the first time at the Corn Exchange on Saturday March 3, was the sense of community among residents of the town.

She said: “People obviously feel part of a community and if you feel you belong that helps you feel happy.”

Town crier Alistair Chisholm said it was the people of Dorchester above all that made it such a special place to live.

He said: “I think the town is attractive but more than anything it is the people and you just have to look at how generous they are, whether it’s giving to the Rotary for an international crisis or supporting the carnival and things like that, people are so generous and I think they are mindful of the needs others.

“On top of that all the basic services are extremely good, the town sits in the middle of a magnificent county and close to a magnificent coastline so it has got everything going for it.

“Locally we have always known it’s a rather special place but it’s nice for it to get its recognition nationally.” Former mayor and honorary citizen of Dorchester Les Phillips, who has lived in the town for more than 70 years, said: “It’s a lovely place to be and we are extremely lucky to live in such a wonderful place.”

Top 10

1. Carlisle

2. York

3. Huddersfield

4. Harrogate

5. Chester

6. Llandudno

7. Norwich

8. Derby

9. Dorchester

10. Exeter

Bottom 10

1. London: East

2. Ilford

3. London: Southeast

4. Luton

5. Romford

6. Oldham

7. Enfield

8. London: North

9. London: West

10. Harrow