POLITICIANS have hailed Warrington's diversity after figures revealed there has been a net gain of around 4,800 'long-term' international migrants to the town since 2004.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in the year ending September 2017, net migration was at a similar level to early 2014 with 244,000 more people coming to the UK than leaving.

This follows record levels of net migration during 2015 and early 2016.

'Long-term' international migrants are defined as people intending to remain in their destination country for 12 months or more.

There were 1,146 long-term international migrants to Warrington between 2015 and 2016.

However, over the same period, 832 long-term international migrants left the town.

Overall, between 2004 and 2016, there has been a net gain of around 4,797 long-term international migrants to the borough.

Warrington's population currently totals 209,700.

The town's long-term international net migration mid-2016 rate, per 1,000 residents, was 1.5, compared to 5.1 in England, 3.9 in the north west, 1 in Cheshire West and Chester, 0.3 in Halton and 0.1 in Cheshire East.

Internal migration takes place when people move around within the UK.

The volumes of internal migration to Warrington are higher than those for international migration.

In 2004, Warrington lost residents to other parts of the UK, however, since then slightly more people have moved to Warrington each year than have left.

There has been a net gain of 5,947 internal migrants to Warrington since 2004.

In 2004, there were estimated to be 6,000 non-UK born residents in the town.

These figures include British citizens born overseas, as well as nationals from other countries.

In 2016, it was estimated that there were approximately 19,000 non-UK born residents in Warrington, compared to 15,000 in 2014.

Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill praised the diversity of the borough – and pointed to the recent success of Warrington Mela.

He said: "The Mela event was a wonderful celebration of the diverse multiculturalism here in Warrington and the bad weather did not dampen our spirits.

"I am proud of the town and its cultural diversity."

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, added: "Successful towns are towns that reflect their diversity.

"Warrington has a growing population – this includes many from Europe and beyond, who bring in their own rich culture as was evident at this year's Mela festival.

"As lead member responsible for community, I've worked with many people who have migrated to Warrington and are settling well into their community, often supporting local events.

"Migration is vital to success – that is a fact that can't be denied."