LIVING by the water is good for you, say psychologists.

It reduces stress and makes us feel more calm and relaxed.

Angela Goggins, a psychology lecturer at Riverside College Halton, said: "People are and always will be strongly tied to water.

"We value living near water, derive pleasure and even receive health benefits from viewing water scenes.

"Research has shown that watching videos of water scenes inspires feelings of tranquillity, reduces stress levels and is associated with improved convalescence."

These findings are good news for the flourishing increase in waterside apartments being built on the Mersey estuary in Halton.

Maritime Quay in Runcorn has only 10 apartments left.

More than 60 per cent of people who have bought these properties said its waterside location was the main attraction.

People of all ages have been snapping up sea views at The Deck, a £50m 500-home development on a former shipyard in Mersey Road.

Top architects recently competed to develop waterside homes in Runcorn's Canal Quarter, beside The Brindley.

A further 600 riverside homes are planned as part of Widnes Waterfront Vision.