Church-goers are happiest

Childless couples and regular attenders at a place of worship are among the most contented people in the UK, claims a new study of what makes us happy.

Scientists found that childless couples were 10 per cent happier than those with children; in financial terms this equates to an extra £3,355 coming into the home annually.

By contrast, single parents were 14.1 per cent more likely to worry about their finances than couples with children. The single and unmarried were likely to be happiest of all, with the fewest financial concerns.

Positive factors in the search for satisfaction included regular attendance at a place or worship, which was worth the equivalent of £3,748 a year and being 10 per cent happier.

Unsurprisingly, financial security and good health play a significant part in happiness, researchers at the University of Ulster said.