People in the north of England see family and speak to neighbours more than those in the south, according to new figures.

The report, by the Northern Rock Foundation, found people in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber and West Midlands were significantly more likely than southerners to meet up with relatives on a regular basis.

More than half (56 per cent) of people from Yorkshire and the Humber saw relatives at least once a week, compared to only 35 per cent of Londoners.

The report revealed that Yorkshire folk talked to their neighbours more often than Londoners too.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, 74 per cent of people spoke to neighbours once a week, compared to 63 per cent in London. Researcher Katie Schmuecker said: "There is a particularly interesting contrast between the North East and the Greater South East – especially London.

"North Easterners are much more likely to see their relatives regularly and speak to their neighbours frequently, providing a social support network that can be drawn upon in times of need."