New research shows that gym users in the south are more active and in better health than those in the north.

The payasUgym survey looked at 8,000 gym members, with findings showing that people living in the south of England visited their gym far more frequently than those living in the north.

London occupied the top six spots on fittest postcodes with SE1, SW1, E1, W2, NW3 and N1 coming first to sixth respectively.

The research ties in with previous research undertaken by Public Health England, which showed people living in the north have the highest rate of premature death. All 10 of the 'unfittest' list were ranked more likely for premature death, showing a clear correlation between lack of fitness participation and poor health.

Manchester is the only northern city to make it into the top 10 fittest postcodes at number eight, while in the south Stevenage and Northampton are the only two southern postcodes to make the top 10 for unfitness.