The Dalai Lama has endorsed a happiness course taking place in West Byfleet beginning on January 16.

Exploring What Matters has been developed by Action for Happiness – a group of 60,000 members hoping to create a happier world.

The Dalai Lama said: "As patron of Action for Happiness I am delighted to see the work being done by members of this movement to create a happier and more caring society. I wholeheartedly support the Exploring What Matters course and hope that many thousands of people will benefit from it and be inspired to take their own action to help create a happier world."

Eight weekly sessions will each be used to explore a big question, beginning with “what really matters in life?” and covering topics such as adversity, relationships, caring for others and creating happy workplaces.

The course, to be run at West Byfleet Library, will be delivered by volunteers, and is secular and open to people of all backgrounds.

Anyone interested can email Lisa Martin at actionforhappinesswestbyfleet@gmail.com.