MULTIPLE neighbourhoods in Carlisle are among those in England where people are most likely to struggle to access affordable food, a study suggests.

This study comes as millions of households across England continue to battle with rising prices this winter, with the increased cost of fuel having a knock-on effect on everyday essentials.

In response, researchers from the University of Leeds and the consumer champion Which? have created an index ranking areas on how likely they are to need support to access affordable and healthy food.

According to this research, in Carlisle, three of the constituency's 55 neighbourhoods were ranked as within the worst 20 per cent for food affordability across England.

These neighbourhoods are located in Morton, Harraby and Botcherby.

READ MORE: Carlisle house prices rose more than North-West average in September, new data shows

These figures come from the index which has combined factors such as the number of households in low income, proximity to large supermarkets, the number of children on free school meals and the availability of online deliveries.

In reponse to these figures, Cllr Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council said: "With the cost of day-to-day essentials such as food and energy on the rise, there’s no doubt the cost of living is a concern on many people’s mind."

Cllr Young also emphasised that there are ways that people who are concernd by the cost-of-living crisis can get support.

He said: "There is help out there and I urge anyone who’s struggling, whether that’s in Carlisle or anywhere else in Cumbria, to seek out that additional support.

"Do not wait for things to get worse.

"If you’re struggling to afford food, energy or even household bills, please visit the county council’s cost of living webpage at cumbria.gov.uk/costofliving to find out where to find the most appropriate support for you.”

READ MORE: Carlisle is the most anxious place in North-West Cumbria, new figures show