WIGAN and Leigh have an above average number of one parent families and more people with health problems.

The changing face of the area was revealed in the 2001 census which also showed there are a higher percentage of people who describe themselves as Christians than any other place in England and Wales.

Data also revealed the area has one of the smallest proportions of non-white ethnic minorities.

Twelve per cent of the population (36,039) said their health was not good compared to the national figure of 9.2pc. A shock 22.3pc (67,308) of residents have an illness, health problem or disability, four per cent above the national level.

And one in ten (33,887) act as unpaid carers because of illness or old age -- again above the norm.

Other findings were:

In 10 years the population has dropped from 306,521 to 301,417.

21pc of the population was under 16, 60pc between 16 and 59, and 20pc 60 or over. The average age was 38.

The borough had 125,096 households with an average of 2.39 occupiers. 72.2pc of homes are owner occupied.

34,639 homes have just one occupant, an increase over 1991 but still smaller than the national average. However the proportion of lone parent households with dependent children is at 7pc slightly higher than the national average.

There were 11,248 cohabiting households.

More households had two or more cars (35,254) than those without access to a car (34,407). More than 70pc of people travelled to work by car in comparison to just 8.2pc who use public transport.

The information provided by the Office for National Statistics will provide planners and policy makers with the most up-to-date picture yet of the borough's social background and a detailed ward breakdown is due soon.