INVERNESS is the happiest place to live in Scotland, according to a report which names Harrogate as the place where people are most content with their home and local community.

The Highland capital came out top in Scotland but it was behind the historic cities of Harrogate, York and Chester, while Shrewsbury and Ipswich were also ranked higher.

Harrogate was ranked first overall - for the third year running - after coming out top for people feeling pride in where they live, as well as residents being happy with their area's upkeep and safe in their community.

Michael Newby, director of Visit Harrogate said of the findings: Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council said: "Harrogate is a fantastic part of the world in which to live.

"We are surrounded by some of the UK's most beautiful scenery, have fantastic shopping, a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, and great entertainment and leisure opportunities - including some unique experiences such as the elegant Turkish Baths.

"As a floral town, we are also extremely lucky to have a significant number of parks and gardens in the immediate vicinity - which are a joy to discover."

Rightmove's survey of more than 24,000 people asked questions such as how proud they are of their home, whether they are satisfied with how it is decorated, how safe they feel in their community, whether they have enough living space, how friendly the neighbours are and whether they worry about the value of their property.

It found that Dundee residents are happiest with how their home is decorated, while Blackpool residents are the most likely say they have plenty of space, and people living in Hemel Hempstead feel most "at home" in their property.

The seaside town of Torquay came top for people saying they are never stuck for recreational activities, compared with Paisley which came bottom in this category.

Residents in Falkirk say they find the costs of running their home most manageable, while those in Hounslow in London find it hardest to cope.