Geordies rate their quality of life to be among the best in Europe, new research has shown. Financial Times

Newcastle was in the top three when residents were asked to rate their satisfaction on issues such as employment, schools, crime, housing and health.

The Urban Audit Perception Survey by Gallup Hungary was carried out in November 2006 for the European Commission in 75 cities, where 500 residents of each were polled.

Newcastle’s satisfaction rating came third, only behind Groningen in the Netherlands and the Danish city of Aalborg.