A Wimbledon primary schoolboy has been nominated as one of the happiest pupils in the country.

Joseph Edwards, who is in Year 6 at Pelham Primary School, was named as a finalist at the National Happiness Awards which were held at Chartered Institute of Professional Development in Wimbledon on Friday (November 17).

Pelham's deputy headteacher Sarah Lyne said: “Throughout Joseph’s time at our school he has had an enthusiasm for life.

“Despite a physical disability he has embraced what school life has offered, he has been school councillor twice and currently a house captain and is popular with peers and students.”

She added: “Everything he does, he does with a smile hence being nominated as the happiest pupil and he does things with a can do attitude and is he a wonderful candidate for the happiest pupil award.”

In the second year running, the awards organised by Laughology honour the happiest people and places who contribute the most to making lives better through happiness and those that display qualities such as resilience, support, confidence and community spirit.

The National Happiness Awards recognise those in education who use happiness and humour to improve and enrich school life and the wider community.

Stephanie Davies, Founder and CEO of award organiser Laughology, said: “There were over 150 nominations and the standard of entry was exceptional. The event was a huge success with a packed house.

“The finalists are all doing ground-breaking things in their fields. Happiness isn’t about laughing and joking all the time. It’s about equipping people with the right skills, mindset and behaviours to cope with difficulties, to face challenges and to thrive.”