MANCHESTER'S Benchill has been named as the poorest area in the country in a new poverty list.

The Wythenshawe ward ranks ahead of anywhere else in the most detailed study of poor areas undertaken in England. Harpurhey is the next most deprived area in Greater Manchester in 17th place nationally.

Benchill Labour councillor Isobel Freeman was shocked by today's news. "I was not aware until now that we were the absolute worst in the country," she said. "Benchill has a lot of problems in terms of health, education and unemployment but it is hard to understand why it is so much more deprived than surrounding areas."

She said a lot of good work is being done to improve the fortunes of the area, and she feels positive about the future. "Education is the best way for people to improve their lifestyles and climb out of deprivation. There will soon be a construction industry training centre opening in Benchill.

"Alongside this, the Willow Park Housing Trust is refurbishing many houses. A lot of other people, both professional and voluntary, are working very hard. I believe the area will soon be seen as a phoenix which has risen from the ashes."

The study covers low income, unemployment, poor health, access to education and training in every council ward across the country. It shows massive differences within regions as well as between different regions.

For example, in Manchester there are 182,000 people on poverty wages, in Congleton, there are 11,000, whereas in Ribble Valley, there are only 5,369.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, whose department published the figures, said they would be a vital tool in helping the government tackle social exclusion and aiding deprived communities. "They remind us that the differences within regions are at least as great as the differences between them. This is why so many of our policies are targeted at the local and neighbourhood level," said Mr Prescott.