THE true picture of the unequal distribution of wealth in Hampshire can be revealed today by the Daily Echo.

One child in every four in Southampton is living in poverty while in parts of Winchester none are regarded as falling into this category.

In the most deprived parts of Southampton as many as 43 per cent of youngsters come from families relying on state handouts including income support, jobseekers' allowance, incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance or pension credits, according to new figures.

The report by social policy research and development charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation uncovers the fact that almost 10,000 Southampton youngsters are currently living in poverty.

Campaigners say those children are excluded from society and the effects will stay with them for life.

But a senior councillor has hit back, saying poverty in the city is relative.

City council deputy leader Cllr Royston Smith that no one was suggesting people couldn't afford to eat but that their quality of life and their future was far below that of the majority of people.

For the full story, read today's Daily Echo