COLCHESTER is the eighth happiest place in the UK...according to a new smartphone app.

American-based company Jet- Pac has analysed more than 100million snaps uploaded to photo sharing site Instagram.

It looked at the number of grins and the size of the beam to give each town and city a “smile score”.

Colchester is ranked eighth.

The app also breaks down the data to find the happiest places in each town.

The Rovers Tye pub, in Ipswich Road, was named the happiest in Colchester, followed by Essex University’s Top Bar and Liquid & Envy nightclub.

Becky Newbury, vice president of the Student Union, said: “We’re thrilled to hear students love spending time in Top Bar.

“We work really hard to create amazing bars and venues for our students and this effort is obviously paying off.

“Top Bar has a different feel to our other venues, offering a much more chilled out vibe and a place where students and lecturers can socialise together at the end of a long day. ”

The Lemon Tree, in St Isaac’s Walk, also featured on the list.

Harriet Baker, the restaurant’s office manager, said: “We’re pleased people have been putting photos up for us.

“We try to ensure every customer who comes in has a really enjoyable experience from great food and service.”

Emma Smith, store manager at Asda in Turner Retail Park, said: “That news makes us smile even more than usual. Our staff are really proud to serve the local community so its extra special to know customers have recognised them.”

The app features other lists, including the top places for students to go and the best views - which were the Wivenhoe Trail, Castle Park and High Woods County Park.

To downland the app search for JetPac.