A recent survey has ranked Babergh as having the greatest life satisfaction in the county – reflecting the district's residents, businesses, heritage, and 'natural' beauty.

The survey, carried out by the Office for National Statistics, rates life satisfaction – with a score of 0 showing participants are 'not at all satisfied' and 10 being 'completely satisfied'.

Babergh residents, including those in Hadleigh and neighbouring villages, gave an average score of 8.24 – well above the national average of 7.66 – and placing the district in first place for life satisfaction ahead of other local authorities in Suffolk.

This increase of 0.81 from 2012/13, when the district scored 7.43, brings further good news for Babergh residents – following a year which has seen the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty celebrate its 50th anniversary of designation, and the planned regeneration and vision for Hadleigh progresses.

Cllr John Ward, leader of Babergh District Council said: "It's wonderful news that Babergh has been named as the best place for life satisfaction in Suffolk – and I'm proud of the role our council continues to play in helping its local community to thrive.

"The ranking is a testament to the people, businesses and communities who work tirelessly to make our district somewhere that everyone is proud to call home.

"This, combined with the area's rich heritage and outstanding natural beauty, has resulted in well-deserved recognition for the quality of life on offer in Babergh."

Mid Suffolk also scored highly for life satisfaction, placing third out of seven districts surveyed in Suffolk, with a score of 7.78 – up from 7.48 in 2012/13.