THE national minimum wage has helped reduce the regional pay gap, according to Government figures released yesterday.

The biggest increases in average earnings over the year to April 2000 have been in traditionally low-paying regions such as the North-East (up 4.7 per cent to £365 a week) and Yorkshire and Humberside (up 3.8 per cent to £373).

The country's highest average weekly wage in April last year was, not surprisingly, in London - nearly £530.

Meanwhile, more than £3m in back-pay has been recovered by officers enforcing the minimum wage.

More than 6,000 complaints of under-payment have been made since the minimum wage came in two years ago.

The adult rate is now £3.70 an hour, with younger workers guaranteed at least £3.20 an hour.

Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers, a North-East MP, said the minimum wage was having a "real impact" on the lives of millions of families.

"I am very pleased to see that the gap in regional pay differences is closing, ensuring that people living throughout Britain are sharing in the country's economic prosperity."