ST HELENS was listed as one of the top 10 saddest places to live in the UK, according to new figures.

Released as part of an Office of National Statistics study, the statistics show St Helens to be the ninth saddest place to live in the country.

More than 300,000 people over three years rated their happiness on a scale from one to 10 for the survey.

The borough scored an average of 7.10 in the study.

Liverpool was named the 'unhappiest' place with an average rating of 6.96, as Wolverhampton, North Manchester, Corby and Bradford City came in second, third fourth and fifth respectively. Neighbouring Knowsley came in eighth, one place above St Helens.

Meanwhile, the Western Isles, Orkney and the Highlands were rated the happiest three places.

In January, NHS prescription figures showed St Helens to have spent the second highest amount per head on anti-depressants.

A St Helens Council spokesperson said: “The survey must have caught a few people on a bad day. The scenery might not be quite in the same league as the Western Isles – but we still have plenty to be pleased about.

“As well as world class rugby league and a pioneering industrial heritage, St Helens offers competitive house prices, a thriving arts scene and no less than 13 parks entitled to fly the Green Flag awarded by Keep Britain Tidy.

“We have some top visitor attractions too. Every year thousands of people - from the local area and much further afield - visit the World of Glass, The North West Museum of Transport, the Dream sculpture and the Darkstar Laser Arena.”