THE smell of freshly-baked bread, a word of praise, driving around an apparently full car park and finding a vacant space.

These are just some of the things that make people happy and what David Cameron is spending £2million a year to find out.

Last November he launched his national happiness survey to measure the country’s contentment levels.

It was heralded as an attempt to make our lives better as the report will form the basis of well-being measures to be published in the autumn.

Initial findings are fairly predictable so far: health, family and relationships, work, the environment and education are the top five subjects that matter most to people.

But interestingly, more people than expected thought religion and Christianity were important.

The Echo’s Faith Matters correspondent Ruth Oliver said she was not surprised by the findings.

“I have interviewed many people of different religions over the years and I have always been impressed by their inner happiness and confidence that comes from having a strong faith.”

Local happiness coach Sue Stone, author of Author of Love Life, Live Life, says understanding that we are part of a bigger picture is important for our wellbeing.

“Every one of us is connected to a greater power, just like our computer is connected to the main server.

“Fundamentally we get more of what we focus on and living in the 'now' and choosing happy, loving and grateful thoughts, concentrating your focus on all that is good in our lives, will create a far more fulfilling, healthy and happier life than focusing on all the negatives.

“Being able to share this knowledge and help others transform their lives also makes me feel delighted to be alive!”

Here at the Echo, we decided to carry out a little survey of our own (at considerably less expense) to find out what makes people happy.

PR and events organiser Jane Jones of Poole said people should learn that happiness comes from within and should not be measured by material success.

“Contentment and happiness come hand in hand and it is through caring for others than a large amount of happiness can be achieved.

“I think if you are nice to people then they are almost automatically nice to you.

“It is better to be kind and forgive than to be embittered because of what might have befallen you in life.”

Echo writer Claire Harris said: “The other day I was walking down the beach and saw an elderly couple sat in deck chairs eating ice creams, feet in the sand and holding hands.

“There's a message there I think... it brought a smile to my face - I hope my fiancé and I will be happy like that in years to come.”

Zoe Tolfree, a marketing executive based in the New Forest said: “The sound and sight of a rough sea, the smell of fresh coffee, watching a couple who are obviously new in a relationship, simply enjoying each others company, spotting a kingfisher flying up the river and getting into a freshly made bed!”

Deputy editor Ed Perkins thinks that: “Apart from a loving family... what makes me happy is driving round an apparently full car park and finding one vacant space.”

Dorset Society editor Emma Joseph said: “Getting a good bargain in the sales makes me happy and being able to walk from our house to Christchurch harbour on a summer’s evening.”

Echo writer Jim Durkin said: “Whisky and sunflowers. One to drink, the other to look at.”

Financial advisor Kevin Forbes of Bournemouth added: “England winning the cricket. All national sports teams swell national pride and give a feel-good factor.”

The Echo editor’s PA Angie Henden said: “Being praised for doing something, seeing a field of daffodils, receiving a bunch of flowers, cakes in the office, a jug of Pimms, watching people playing on the beach in the sun, the smell of bread baking and still losing weight even though you had a cake!”