A close-knit family, laughter – and a good cup of tea are among the secrets to happiness, according to Brits. Other ingredients for a cheerful existence include regular exercise, being kind to strangers and singing in the shower. Getting ‘enough’ sleep also helps make life more enjoyable as well as going on holiday at least once a year and indulging …

Victor Meldrew’s infamous catchphrase, ‘I don’t believe it!’, has been voted the nation’s favourite. The instantly recognisable saying from One Foot in the Grave saw off competition from ‘Simples’ – made famous by the meerkats of Compare the Market, which came second. The immortal words ‘Don’t panic!’ exclaimed by Lance-Corporal Jones in Dad’s Army took third place. The survey of …

The perfect family TV show should be a comedy with 10 jokes per episode – and a ‘loveable animal. A study of 1,000 parents found the ideal programme would also have three plot twists, a ‘goodie versus baddie’ plot and be set on Earth. One in six also think family shows should be animated and fantastical while 45 per cent …

. Forget the Joneses – eco-conscious Brits are now ‘keeping up with the Greens’ by trying to outdo friends and neighbours in the environmental stakes. Research has revealed more than two-thirds (70 per cent) of adults view man-made climate change and ocean pollution as the biggest threat to humanity. And while one-upmanship was traditionally confined to competitions over who …

Half of parents admit they’re perfectly able to walk their children to school – but use a car instead. Worries about safety, time constraints in the morning and poor public transport links are some of the key reasons parents still drive on the school run despite living nearby. A study of 2,000 parents who drive found three in …

Millions of Brits admit they’re ‘too reliant’ on tech products. A poll of 2,000 adults found 65 per cent believe they’re overexposed to technology, while 38 per cent worry they rely on gadgets too much. Three in 10 even reckon Brits have far more tech products in their lives than they actually need. But 45 per cent prefer …

News Copy  – by Grant Bailey Brits lack basic knowledge of popular UK landmarks, research has revealed. A poll of 2,000 adults found almost half didn’t recognise Edinburgh Castle, with one in five confusing it with Dover Castle. And one in six were unable to identify Hadrian’s Wall on sight. A third of Brits were also unable to tell the …

News Copy – By Gemma Francis Two thirds of grown-ups admit they ‘don’t always act their age’, it has emerged. Research carried out among 2,000 adults found a large percentage confess to being ‘big kids at heart’, often getting up to things which younger generations enjoy. One in three have bombed down a kid’s slide in a playground and one …

News Copy – By Emma Elsworthy “Cheers” has overtaken ‘thank you’ as the most popular way to show verbal appreciation, it has emerged. Research revealed more than four in 10 of us now regularly use ‘cheers’ instead of the more traditional response. Experts believe “Cheers” originated from the old French word chiere which meant “face” or “head.” By the 18th …

News Copy – by Emma Elsworthy Walking in the countryside, soaking in a long bath – and spending an evening in the local pub are among our ‘happiest places’, it has emerged. Relaxing in the garden, being on holiday in the sun and listening to their favourite music also made the list of things we do to cheer ourselves up. …