Dartford is the second most unhappy place in the UK, according to a new survey.

The Office for National Statistics has published its latest Personal Wellbeing survey for 2013-2014.

Respondents were asked to rate how happy they were, how satisfied they felt, how worthwhile they thought their life was and how anxious they were, giving each indicator a score out of 10.

In the unhappiness stakes Dartford came second behind Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, whose residents are apparently the least cheery in the country.

Torridge in Devon, Maldon in Essex, and South Ribble in Lancashire completed the top five.

Four of the five most happy places were in Northern Ireland, including Antrim at number one.

Generally life satisfaction and happiness has been steadily rising since the research was first undertaken in 2011.

This year’s study of 165,000 people found the nation’s anxiety levels have also been falling, thanks in part to an improving UK economy.

Happiest areas in the UK

1. Antrim, Northern Ireland

2. Fermanagh Northern Ireland

3. Babergh, Suffolk

4. Omagh, Northern Ireland

5. Dungannon, Northern Ireland

Unhappiest areas in the UK

1. Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

2. Dartford, Kent

3. Torridge, Devon

4. Maldon, Essex

5. South Ribble, Lancashire