ETHNIC minorities are being hit hardest by bad housing in Yorkshire and Humberside, says a survey.

Figures released by the Shelter charity as part of its Million Children Campaign show that black and minority ethnic groups are disproportionately affected by bad housing in the region.

Their households are four times as likely to become homeless than white counterparts.

The figures also reveal that 41% of Bangladeshi children and 37% of Pakistani children live in overcrowded conditions, as against 9% of white children in the region.

During 2003-4, more than 2,340 ethnic minority households were accepted as homeless in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Adam Sampson, director of Shelter, said: "The hidden housing crisis in Britain is having an immensely damaging effect on black and ethnic minority communities.

"For children who are already at serious risk of disadvantage, bad housing can have a devastating effect on their education, health and prospects," he added.

"More affordable housing is desperately needed, particularly family-sized homes. This would help to reduce the large numbers of ethnic minority households living in unfit, emergency and overcrowded conditions," said Mr Sampson.