POLITICIANS have hailed Warrington's diversity after figures revealed the range of nationalities of residents across the town.

The UK population is projected to increase by 3.6 million, or 5.5 per cent, over 10 years, from an approximate 65.6 million in mid-2016 to 69.2 million in mid-2026.

Over the next decade, 46 per cent of UK population growth is projected to result from more births than deaths, with 54 per cent resulting from net international migration.

In 2016, Warrington's population totalled an estimated 208,800.

The current estimate is 209,700.

The council confirmed its latest analysis – based on the 2016 electoral canvass – recorded the nationality of around 166,793 residents, who were eligible to vote in national, local or EU elections.

It revealed the number of non-British nationals in each ward.

The 10 wards with the highest number of non-British nationals were Bewsey and Whitecross with an estimated 1,461, Fairfield and Howley 1,063, Orford, 653, Poplars and Hulme 512, Latchford East 423, Birchwood 394, Great Sankey South 325, Chapelford and Old Hall 317, Latchford West 303 and Poulton North 238.

The analysis also revealed the range of nationalities in town.

Out of the 166,793 who were eligible to vote, 159,852 were British – which amounted to around 95.8 per cent.

Furthermore, 2,241 were Polish, 726 Irish, 518 Hungarian, 459 Slovakian, 450 Indian, 323 Romanian, 259 Latvian, 190 Czech and 167 Pakistani.

Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid hailed the diversity in the borough.

He said: "It is wonderful to see people from all different walks of life coming together, sharing their knowledge and experiences and living peacefully with one and other.

"I am proud to be a part of multicultural Britain."

Fairfield and Howley councillor Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, also welcomed the figures.

He believes diversity 'makes society interesting'.

“In my particular ward of Fairfield and Howley, we have a cultural mix that is more than happy to share their heritage, especially when it comes to supporting community events,” he added.

"Events such as Warrington Mela really showcase, regionally, how celebrating cultural diversity can be enjoyable and entertaining but, more importantly, the way to build a better understanding of each other's cultures.

"With so much uncertainty over Brexit, many non-British nationals have felt uneasy, but I know from experience that, as a community, we are stronger when we all work together.

"I'm also immensely proud of the work we are doing in Warrington through our communities and neighbourhood team, who are developing stronger relationships with all our community groups.

"Ultimately, embracing all that is positive about our diverse communities can only be rewarding for all and that can only be a good thing."