LEEDS is the best city for health and wellbeing among comparable competitors across the UK, according to an independent study.

Recently released analysis from the What Works Centre for Wellbeing puts Leeds at the top of the ten core cities for the categories. It was judged against Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield.

The analysis looks beyond economic indicators such as gross domestic product to look at how factors such as infrastructure and education impact on everyday life, health and wellbeing.

Among the areas where Leeds was identified as performing well were happiness, life satisfaction, unemployment levels, and a healthy life expectancy.

These were measured using a mix of data from trusted, independent sources such as the Office for National Statistics and Public Health England.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: "Leeds has a bold ambition underpinning our health and wellbeing strategy to be the best city for health and wellbeing. This independent research highlights that we are the strongest performing core city using these measures, leading on a wide range of indicators for health and wellbeing as they actually impact on the people living across our varied communities."

Cllr Rebecca Charlwood, Chair of Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board, said: "We are committed to having a community centred approach where wellbeing starts with people. We understand that health and wellbeing is about more than the services provided by the NHS and the council. Our city is full of assets which make a difference to people’s wellbeing, including a strong, embedded community and voluntary sector, a strong economy, excellent natural resources, cultural opportunities and a real ambition that we improve the health of the poorest fastest."