Salford's employment rate of 72.8 per cent now exceeds the northwest average of 72.2 per cent, with some 103,000 adults in work, according to a new report.

Almost 20,000 more people in Salford are in work than at the start of the decade and this has been attributed to regeneration and economic prosperity.

Moreover, new population figures predict that Salford's population is likely to grow by 5,400 by 2011, rising again by 18,000 in the subsequent ten years.

Salford council leader John Merry said that confidence in the city is high.

"Its future is high and it's reassuring that the physical aspect of regeneration is being matched by opportunities for existing residents and newcomers," he remarked.

He went on to say that tackling worklessness and raising people's aspirations are among his priorities.

Like its sister city Manchester, Salford is at the centre of massive regeneration.

The creation of the media city at the quays, which will soon be home to the BBC, and new offices and homes on Chapel Street and Greengate are just some of the indications that the city is on the up.