YESTERDAY was all set to be the most depressing day of the year. With the dark, cold weather and mounting credit card debt, research showed people were going to feel worse than ever.

But not, it appears, in Worcester.

Maybe it was the blue sky, maybe it was because all the miserable people were stuck behind desks in offices, or maybe depressed people just cannot be bothered to stop and speak to journalists - but when reporter Ian Wishart took to the city centre streets he found out most people were pretty happy.

Margaret Pritchard and Sylvia Hanks, both aged 68 and from Bevere, said there was absolutely nothing to be miserable about.

"It's a lovely day with a blue sky. Why be unhappy?" said Mrs Hanks.

"I've been to Spain for some winter sun at Christmas and New Year - that helps," said Mrs Pritchard.

"Perhaps it's the younger generation who feel bad when the weather's cold and wet and dark. But I'm retired and just live for today."

Louise Farrell, aged 17, from Droitwich, said she had one remedy for the winter blues: "Chocolate".

"It's just really grey and miserable at this time of year but you've got to make sure you've got lots of things to look forward to."

Her friend Beth Homer, aged 17 and from Lismore Green, St Peter's, also had simple advice.

"Stay in bed," she said. "It's dark outside and there's no point in getting up when it's like that."

Andrew Davis, aged 24, from Greenacres Road, St John's, Worcester, said going on holiday was the best idea.

"People are generally more depressed and miserable at this time of year with the dark, wet mornings," he said.

"This side of Christmas with the debts piling up things can get a bit tight.

"It's true, people I work with tend to be a bit down at this time of year."

Jacci Clarke, aged 43, from London Road, Worcester, said a pile of bills had arrived on her doorstep in the morning, meaning Monday, January 24, was indeed "a bad day".

"I've just been hit by all the post-Christmas bills," she said. "It does seem cold and bleak at this time of year but at least I've got a summer holiday to look forward to - if I can pay for it now."

Brian Rees, aged 46, from Chalford Drive, Warndon, was beating the "black Monday" blues by taking the day off.

"That's the best remedy at this time of year," he said.

"I've just done a bit of window shopping and booked a flight to Corfu - that gives me something to look forward to.

"But if you work at weekends, Monday morning doesn't seem worse than any other day."

Diane Jackson, aged 54, of Lion Court, Worcester, was taking her dog Brandy for a walk. She said the combination of exercise and the fresh air kept her happy.

"If you keep active you don't get depressed," she said.

"The natural light must have something to do with it but I don't get into debt and I stay positive. I'm lucky."

Rupert Chambers, aged 39, of Upton-upon-Severn, was equally as enthusiastic.

"Be bright, be cheerful and be positive," he said. "Remember, there's always someone in a worse situation than you.

"The light is drawing out in the evenings and we've got the spring and summer to look forward to. What can be better?"