ALMOST half of young people living in coal-mining communities would like to move out of their area, according to a new survey.

A Mori poll, commissioned by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, asked 364 children in coalfield areas in England and Wales, including 48 in the North-East, if they were satisfied with where they lived.

Twenty two per cent said they were not and 44 per cent said they would like to move to a different area, compared with 36 per cent who were happy to stay.

The research, unveiled at a briefing at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, also revealed that none of the youngsters aged 14 to 16 wanted to become miners and more than half were worried about their future.

Trust chief executive Alan Wallace said the survey was a wake-up call to all agencies working in coalfield areas.

"Young people today see fewer opportunities in their local area compared to other regions," he said. "Yet they are vital to the future of former coal-mining communities and we must do what we can to support them."

In response to the findings, the trust is launching a campaign to raise the profile of issues facing youngsters in Britain's coalfields.

The Regenerate campaign, backed by Tony Blair, will also raise funds for projects to help vulnerable young people.