RUNNERS score higher on the 'Oxford Happiness Scale' and report feeling more confident, a new study has found.

The test, devised by psychologists at Oxford Brookes University, was put to more than 8,000 runners registered with parkrun and fitness app Strava.

The vast majority of those surveyed - 89 per cent - said running regularly has made them happier and has had a positive impact on their mental health and body image.

Runners surveyed by researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University scored 4.4 on the scale, above the average score of 4 on the method used by scientists to measure well-being.

Thousands of runners take part in parkruns, a regular Saturday morning 5k run around a local park, in Oxfordshire.

Katy Andrews, event director for Bicester parkrun, said: "Running is about so much more than physical exercise.

"It is a one big community and it doesn't matter if you are the slowest or the fastest, everyone encourages each other.

"I would definitely agree that it hugely benefits your well being and is good for everyone's mental health.

"It has had a massive impact on my life and I could name 100 others who would say they have had a similar experience."

The survey found 83 per cent felt more motivated to exercise through using the Strava app while 55 per cent said taking part in parkrun had a positive impact on their social life.