WATCH: Smile! Residents speak out against miserable Wolverhampton study

Another survey is out – and it makes grim reading for those who call Wolverhampton home.

The new study, by thinktank The Legatum Institute, measured average income per person with how happy they feel.

Wolverhampton came bottom out of 170 locations in the UK for life satisfaction – apparently making its people the most miserable. But on the bustling streets of the city centre people couldn't be happier.

And they said it's not money but spending time with family and friends that makes you cheery.

The region's comedians have also chipped in, saying shows in Wolverhampton are always a highlight.

Busy folk were happy chatting to friends working on stalls as the sound of steel drums playing in the background carried through the air.

Linda Flavell, aged 49, from Perton, was shopping in the city with her daughter Kirsty Gillett, 24, and grandchildren Evie-Leigh, four, and one-year-old Harry.

And even the mere mention of being miserable had Linda laughing. "You must be joking," she said. "I think that's terrible.

"We have got a good sense of humour. We have got manners, we smile – well, that's what I've always done anyway!"

Administrator Gerald Starr raised a smile, with a wry grin, about life in the city.

The 43-year-old from Bushbury said: "The city has got a lot of things going for it. The city is up and coming again.

"We're a happy bunch in Wolverhampton. We make the best of everything.

"Whoever came up with this survey saying we are miserable is utterly clueless."

Youth worker Christian Darby issued a plea for those who penned the survey to visit the city and hear the humour.

The 23-year-old, from Waddens Brook Lane, Wednesfield, said: "Wolverhampton isn't a miserable place – well, I'm living here for a start.

"People may see this city as boring or miserable because people don't take the time out to come here."

And it is not just born-and-bred folk who think the city is a happy place to raise a family. Father-of-three Scott Reid came down from Glasgow to make his life in the city more than 20 years ago.

The 48-year-old said he disagreed with the survey, adding: "Wolverhampton has got a lot going for it.It is a really happy place to bring up a family."

Gulam Raza Sherahmad is a tailor and has run a clothes repairs outlet in the city for two years since coming here from Afghanistan. The 40-year-old laughed at the suggestion that people are miserable. They come in here smiling and that makes me happy and gets everyone around me here smiling too," he said.

Comedian Tracey Rhodes, better known as our Trace, from Four Ashes, Wolverhampton, said: "It is a happy place and I've done some great shows in Wolverhampton.

"Goodyear Pavilion is a good venue as is Bushbury Railway Club.

"I've been on stage with Steve Bull as well at shows – it is always good fun. Making people laugh is one of the best things ever." Veteran comic Ian 'Sludge' Lees, who rose to fame as part of groups Light Fantastic, Finders Keepers and The Montanas in the 1960s and 1970s before embarking on a stand-up career and featuring on TV show Tizwaz, added: "Wolverhampton has always been good to me.

"It is a nice place to perform. They are always friends and have a laugh."