CALDERDALE is soaring ahead in the pay stakes, a survey has revealed.

Figures from general union the GMB show that Calderdale tops the Yorkshire region for pay - with an average weekly full-time wage of £510.30.

That's £55 more than the Yorkshire average of £455.30 and £5.40 above the national average of £504.90.

Kirklees languishes in 13th place in the regional ratings with an average weekly wage of £428.60.

Wakefield is sixth at £449.70 and Bradford is seventh at £447.80.

GMB national organiser Neil Derrick said the survey showed that areas with large-scale manufacturing or strong professional services sectors fared best in the pay league.

In contrast, areas dominated by retailing, leisure and public sector services such as schools and hospitals were worst off.