A new year, 2012, has begun and the christmas and NYE celebrations give time and opportunity to look back to the last year(s) and think about what has happened. It is a occasion to reflect on the future and to realize what one needs to be happy. New York based Photographer Lucy Carr-Ellison went to her home region, Northumbria, and captured the local people there. She asked them what made them happy in their lives.
2011 has been such an intense year all over the globe, so we thought we should start this year with what really matters so people. Forget about the latest Lanvin bag and Tom Ford glasses, this is what can make you happy in 2012.


Peter, student, "Our dogs."


Stephen, game keeper, "Living and working in this part of the world and doing the job I do."


Marc, farm worker, "My kids"


George, huntsman, "A good chase."


Marc, mechanic, "Drinking."


Matthew & Wayne, construction workers, "Everything."


Jonathan, showjumper, "I feel the happiest when people admire the horse's improvement and when the work that's going in is paying off."


Jacqueline, retired, "My children, grandchildren and my cats and dogs."


Kevin, farmworker, "10 pints."


Lisa, cook, "Happy people."


David, shepherd, "When New Castle United wins."


Karen, district nurse, "Madonna."


Robert, shop worker, "The little things in life make me happy."


Robert, shepherd, "My wife and kids."