Colchester has ranked as among the healthiest, happiest and most inclusive areas in the UK.

The Sustainable Growth Index by business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP looked at 324 local authorities across the England.

As well as looking at traditional economic measures, the report also takes into account social indicators such as dynamism, inclusion, health, resilience and community trust.

Colchester finished above average ranking in at 78th.

Tendring was one of the lowest scoring areas finishing in 309th place.

Colchester recorded its strongest performance in the resilience and sustainability bracket, which takes into account the impact the local economy has on the environment finishing 34th.

Its performance has seen it climb 28 places on last year’s study.

Overall Cambridge claimed the top spot closely followed by Westminster and Camden.

Tim Taylor, practice leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP’s Chelmsford office, said: “This year’s Sustainable Growth Index has certainly been a mixed bag for regions in Essex.

“While there have been some great performances and incredible improvements in certain areas, other local authority areas have fared less well.

“Taking the health and wellbeing category as an example – half of the county’s local authorities improved their score, while areas such as Maldon, Epping Forest and Chelmsford fell drastically.

“The overall Sustainable Growth Index scores were very mixed too, with regions in both the top and bottom 20% in the country.

“However, it’s unsurprising for a county which is as large and diverse as Essex is.”

To view the results visit grantthornton.co.uk.