Key to happiness? 'Good health, a nice house… and The Only Way Is Essex'

A government survey has attempted to measure the nation's wellbeing for the first time.

A government survey has attempted to measure the nation's wellbeing for the first time.

David Cameron commissioned the poll to discover what makes the British happy, in an attempt to measure the impact policies have on national wellbeing.

Around 34,000 people were asked 'what is well being?' and 'what things in life matter to you?' in the £2m survey. The findings were unsurprising with good health, family and friends all considered important across the different groups of asked.

Children cited cuddles with mum, chocolate mini-eggs, Batman, McDonalds and school as particularly fun activities, whilst teenagers said chocolate, tea, iPods, jobs, money, music, high heels, Facebook, The Only Way Is Essex, alcohol and bed were important.

Students answered that health, family, world peace, alternative fuels, mortgage rates, and a government that cares about the environment and a person's quality of life rather than money, contribute to their happiness.

Adults said money, being a good mum, access to playgrounds, a nice house in a safe area and being appreciative of what you have rates highly while the elderly answered that grandchildren, local shops and village life, education and pensions topped their happiness list.

The national survey, called Measuring National Well Being, will publish the first annual life satisfaction ratings next July, by which time 200,000 people would have rated their lives on a scale of one to ten.