People living in the Western Isles in Scotland are on average the happiest in the UK, according to a major study.

An analysis based on a survey of more than 300,000 people across Britain found that four of the happiest five places in the UK were all in Scotland, with three of them island regions.

The study, carried out by the Office for National Statistics, asked people to rate their happiness on a scale of one to 10 in the three-year study between 2012-2015, with 0-4 classed as 'low' and 9-10 as 'very high'.

People in the Western Isles, pictured, were found to be the happiest in the UK. Four of the top happiest five places in Britain were all in Scotland, with the fourth in Cheshire

The average happiness of people in the Western Isles, which includes the Isle of Harris, pictured, was 8.08

Average happiness in the Office for National Statistics study was rated at 6.96 in Liverpool, pictured

Orkney came second, followed by the Highlands and Shetland, while people in Cheshire were classed as the fifth happiest area.

At the other end of the 'happy' spectrum was Liverpool, where average happiness was rated at 6.96.

Wolverhampton is the second saddest in the country, with an average happiness rating of 6.99.

The average happiness rating given by respondents in the Western Isles was 8.08; the average in Orkney was 8.05, while in the Highlands the average score was 7.82.

Despite having the lowest happiness levels in the UK, Wolverhampton was found to be the place with the least anxious people.

Six in ten people from the city said they experienced low levels of anxiety.

TOP 10 HAPPIEST PLACES IN THE UK Western Isles Orkney Highlands Shetland Eastern Cheshire South West Lincolnshire North East Hampshire and Farnham West Hampshire South Norfolk Surrey Downs Advertisement

THE 10 SADDEST PLACES Liverpool Wolverhampton North Manchester Corby Bradford City Islington Hackney Knowsley St Helens Oldham Advertisement

Mayor of Wolverhampton, councillor Ian Brookfield, said the findings were contradictory.

'On the one hand they suggest that people in Wolverhampton are less happy, yet by the same measure, there are fewer unhappy people here than in many other areas,' he said.

'At the same time, the report also shows that people in Wolverhampton have the lowest levels of anxiety anywhere in the UK, which appears to contradict the other findings.

'And of course, we need to remember this is a fairly small sample size of 1,690 residents over a three-year period.

Wolverhampton, pictured, is the second saddest in the country, according to the 'happiness' study

'Wolverhampton and Black Country folk are, by nature, hard-working and self-deprecating - that's why in this area we are famous for our sense of humour - and this research shows that while we may sometimes be a little bit grumpy, we don't worry and get on with life.'

The same study found that middle-aged people are the least happy age group in the UK because of the double 'burden' of having to look after their children and parents.

But happiness levels soon improve when you move into retirement age with those aged 60-79 tended to be the happiest age group.

A study of more than 300,000 people over a three-year period found those in their middle ages reported the lowest levels of happiness

Levels of happiness tend to increase as people approach retirement age, the major study by the ONS found

Teenagers reported similar levels of happiness and life satisfaction as pensioners - the study suggested this was because both groups have 'more time to spend on activities which promote their well-being'

Even pensioners aged over 90 are happier than those in their middle ages, the report found.

Teenagers reported similar levels of happiness and life satisfaction as pensioners.

The study suggested this was because both groups have 'more time to spend on activities which promote their well-being'.

The study said: 'Evidence shows that people are having children later.

'Therefore another possible reason for lower scores for the middle age groups could result from the burden caused by having to care for both parents and children at the same time.'

When it came to feelings of what you do being worthwhile, older people over 85 had the lowest scores while those aged 60 to 75 had the highest - and significantly higher than those in middle-age.

Those aged over 90 were the least likely to describe what they do in life as 'worthwhile'

Average anxiety ratings increased through early and middle years, peaking between 45 to 59 years, but then subsequently falling and remaining relatively unchanged for those aged 65 and over

People aged 40 to 59 were also considerably more anxious than other groups, with those aged 50 to 54 the most anxious group, while those over 90 were the least anxious.

ONS director of measuring national wellbeing Glenn Everett said the data showed that, overall, wellbeing falls after people reach the age of 75.

'The low wellbeing in middle-age might also suggest that those in this age group are struggling with the double responsibility of caring for children and for elderly parents,' he said.

The study also said the fall in ratings of personal wellbeing amongst the very oldest age groups 'might result from a range of personal circumstances such as poor health, living alone and feelings of loneliness'.

The ONS said the analysis demonstrated the need for increasing interventions for the eldest, with latest estimates predicting that one in three of today's babies will live passed their 100 birthday.