WORKERS in Dorset go to work with a smile on their faces because of the 'laid back and friendly atmosphere'.

Dorset and the South West has been ranked one of the happiest workforces in the whole of the UK in a new report compiled by City and Guilds.

Workers surveyed had an average happiness rating of seven out of 10 which makes the South West the UK's fourth happiest region.

The top factors determining worker's happiness are having a good work balance and taking a real interest in what they do.

Cobbler Jay Peckham, from Timpsons, Trinity Street, said that after trying his hand at being a plumber he re-trained and now loves his job.

He said: "Something about the job gets me up in the morning and makes me want to come in every day. I work on my own but it is a busy shop and I really enjoy it."

Coming first place in the polls for the happiest professions were beauty therapists following by being a hairdresser.

Jenna Tschoepe, a beauty therapist at Robin James Salon and Spa, Antelope Walk, said: "I wouldn't change my job for anything else.

"I love the variety of the treatments and the customer interaction and the fact that I can go home and not be stressed because it is so relaxing."

Freelance hairdresser Jackie Riley works at The Hair Depot, Trinity Street, and has been a hairdresser for 10 years.

She said: "I love every aspect about my job especially making people feel good about themselves.

"The social aspect is also good because it's a busy atmosphere and we're always meeting new people."

Working in a family business is not for everyone but for fishmonger Kevin Gillard of Shoreline Fisheries, Weymouth, it means their work relationship is easy going'.

He said: "I've been in this business for years with three other people in my family and what I like about the job is that it's different every week".

Owner of the busy café The Horse With The Red Umbrella, High West Street, John Fiori said that he loves running a café in Dorchester after moving from London where he had run cafes for years.

He said: "It is a lovely happy environment and the customers are completely different from anything I had experienced in London.

"It is a calmer way of life and the vast countryside breeds contentment."

Florist Eileen Lewis who works at Interflora, Antelope Walk, said she feels lucky to live and work in this area.

She said "There are not many places that are better to work then Dorset and it's the people that really make the job enjoyable."

Building her business from scratch 30 years ago and establishing a shop in Weymouth makes Helen Davie, of Helen's Famous Whole Foods very happy.

She said: "My job is one to love - my shop is now in its 22nd year and I love getting involved with the customers.

"It has had so many different exciting elements from starting the business to running it to sourcing the produce."

Owner of Moomooos in Hardye Parade, Christine Langthorne agrees that what makes her happy is running her own business.

She said: "I enjoy coming to work every day and seeing all the friendly people - the pace of life here is much calmer without a doubt."

Market greengrocer Matthew Smith said that he loves the fact he is not stuck in the office.

He said: "I love the fresh air and the people and I love living and working in Dorset because of the countryside, the fact that it is not too overcrowded and it's laid back and friendly."

Butcher Adam Vyse from The Fantastic Sausage Factory, Hardye Arcade, said it is the people he works with that makes the job enjoyable.

He said: "I love everything about working in Dorchester apart from the travelling in and out but my actual job I really enjoy."

Patrolling the streets gives PSCO Mark Wodarek-Black job satisfaction because he can stop and talk to the public, which allows him to get to know the issues that need to be addressed.

He added: "I like to get to know people and find out what needs to be done and this is the best way.

"I think people living around here are generally pretty happy."