BURY women work the longest hours in the north west, according to a newly-published report.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) say thousands of women are battling to cope with greater working hours on top of a hectic home life which could be putting their physical and mental health at risk.

An increasing number of females of working age are falling victim to what American doctors are now calling the "hurried women syndrome" - a condition characterised by chronic stress and exhaustion.

Physios say juggling a spouse, children, relatives, friends and a boss has become the norm, leaving their personal well-being to suffer .

Full-time female employees in the borough work an average of 38.4 hours per week, placing Bury women top of the north west regional league for the average weekly hours worked whereas Bolton women work less at 36.5 hours per week.

London women however work the longest hours clocking up around 42.4 hours per week.

Ann Mayne, from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's Health (ACPWH), said: "For some women, achieving a proper work-life balance is difficult and problematic. If women are not careful, struggling to manage a busy work and home life can take its toll on their mental and physical health.

"Hurried women need to be able to spot the signs and take action. High stress and anxiety levels, mild depression, physical exhaustion, digestive disorders and low self-esteem are all indicators that something is not right."

The CSP has issued advice on how make home and worklife more manageable:

Prioritise jobs and delegate tasks for others to do

Enlist the help of your partner or relative in tasks such as taking the children to and from school and extra curricular activities or watching over an elderly relative

Take time out by going on an outing, a pampering session or shopping trip.

Use relaxation techniques to unwind such as listening to music, taking a hot bath, going for a walk, a bike ride or reading a magazine.