STRETFORD has been revealed as one of the most racially integrated places in the country.

Think tank Policy Exchange has produced a list of the best and worst places in the country from the point of view of integration.

The researchers analysed data from the 2011 census, comparing 160 places with a population of more than 20,000, of whom at least 15 per cent were from an ethnic minority.

Among considerations were whether individuals held a UK passport, the ethnic mix of neighbourhoods and how people interacted with work colleagues.

The data examines both ‘identity integration’ – how either English or Welsh minorities living in that area feel – and ‘structural integration’ – how well minorities living in that area mix with other ethnic groups, either by working together or living near to each other.

Stretford ranked number six in the list of most cohesive communities in country, behind Amersham, in Buckinghamshire, Sutton Coldfield, in West Midlands, Loughton, in Essex, Potters Bar and Letchworth Garden City, both in Hertfordshire.

David Goodhart, Head of Policy Exchange’s Demography, Immigration and Integration Unit, said: “Ethnic minority integration has shot up the political agenda in recent months and it is useful to know where the biggest challenges and the often quiet success stories actually are.

“It is critical that this country retains its traditions of openness and individual rights and some sense of mutual regard between citizens. That is why the government should try to promote mixed communities.”

Research showed that the more integrated the place, the greater the share of ethnic minorities in higher paid, managerial jobs.

The most united communities also tended not to have one single large minority group while the worst places had a single group accounting for around two-thirds of the minority population. Boston, in Lincolnshire, was named as the most racially divided place in the UK, followed by Wisbech, in Cambridgeshire, and Oldham.

Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston said: "It's fabulous that Stretford has been ranked as one of the most integrated places in England and Wales - a great way to put Stretford on the map.

"I'm really proud to represent such a diverse, friendly and vibrant community with fantastic neighbours and friends."

Tom Ross, Labour Councillor for Stretford, said: “I’m really pleased to see Stretford highlighted in this way. The report confirms what many of us already know- that Stretford is a great place to live.”