Research says people who live near the sea are happier than those who live inland. The researchers looked at data on the happiness, lifestyle and income of 26,000 people. Those who live within one kilometer of the coast were 22 per cent less likely to have mental health problems. People over 50 kilometers from the coast had more mental health problems. Poorer people living within sight of the coast were 40 per cent less likely to have problems.

A researcher said: "People in poorer households living close to the coast experience fewer symptoms of mental health disorders." The coast seemed to protect people from mental health problems. Living on the coast could help poor and rich people. Another researcher said we needed to use spaces in towns and cities better. He said the coast should be for everyone, but we have to stop damaging "our fragile coastal environments".