World's smallest ice cream van heading to the Metrocentre

Mr Happy is coming to the Metrocentre on Friday

The world’s smallest ice cream van is heading to the Metrocentre in Gateshead following new research revealing that eating ice cream makes people happier.

The ‘Nice Cream Van’ measures just 47 inches long and 39 inches high with a maximum speed of 12MPH. It will go on a nationwide tour of 14 intu shopping centres to surprise and delight shoppers around the country.

The research also revealed that three quarters of Brits (75 per cent) feel happier in the summer than they do in the winter, with sunshine (27 per cent), longer days (24 per cent) and summer holidays (16 per cent) the top three reasons given.

The pint-sized van will be at the Metrocentre this Friday (August 4).

Here are the top 20 things that make us happy in summer.

  • Going on holiday

  • Going to the beach

  • Eating ice cream

  • Having a BBQ with friends and family

  • Watching the sunset

  • Wearing summer clothes

  • Walking in the park

  • Getting the smell of freshly cut grass

  • Reading a book in the sun

  • Lying in the sun

  • Going for a picnic

  • Doing the gardening

  • Listening to music outdoors

  • Going to an outdoor or rooftop party

  • Walking barefoot on the grass

  • Swimming in the sea

  • Doing outdoor sports and exercise

  • Going to a street food market

  • Getting to explore your own city

  • Shopping for your summer wardrobe

The research was carried out by independent research company Fly Research, which questioned 1,000 adults in July 2017.