The best things in life? Friends, hugs and laughter...

Happiness is not all money in the bank, fast cars and designer clothes, but family, friends and the beauty of nature, a study has found.

A new survey has revealed the things which bring a smile to our faces are in fact life's simple pleasures - available to all, for free, every single day.

When people were asked what their most important pleasures were, 22 per cent of the 2,000 people quizzed picked laughing, swiftly followed by eating good food with great friends, in second place with 21 per cent.

A hug was in third place with 19 per cent.

The research suggests that despite the world's focus on materialistic possessions, people still find pleasure in pastimes which do not cost a penny. More...

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