GLASGOW has some of the worst levels of child poverty in the UK, according to a new report.

GLASGOW has some of the worst levels of child poverty in the UK, according to a new report.

More than half the families living in parts of the city depend on benefits to clothe and feed their children.

Three constituencies in Glasgow are among the worst 20 in Britain, research for Save the Children revealed today.

Parkhead was named the worst where experts found 63.4% of families survived on "out of work" sources, almost triple the UK average.

Keppochhill was a close second with 63.1% with Bridgeton/Dalmarnock third in the list of shame with 62.2% The city is home to 37 of the poorest wards in Scotland, with the number of families on unemployment benefits well above the national average of 21%.

Child poverty campaigners are urging the Government to introduce winter crisis grants to help families heat their homes, in the wake of the report.

Researchers looked at the number of children living in families whose sole income was from unemployment related payments, such as Jobseekers' allowance, incapacity and disability benefits.

A spokesman for Save the Children said: "Glasgow may have some of the worst statistics, but our whole society is suffering because of poverty.

"Behind these statistics lies the reality of thousands of children who are going without basic, essential items such as a coat, properly fitting shoes or a warm home.

"At the heart of the problem is the fact that these families cannot afford to meet basic needs."

Parkhead MSP Frank McAveety, said: "These figures show the extent of the challenge we face. We need to invest in schools and children as much as we can and also provide quality housing.

"We have to encourage children to get a good education and providing work opportunities is one certain way to overcome poverty. But we have to persuade people to take some responsibility for their own lives."

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "These figures only tell a part of Glasgow's story. The city has taken huge economic strides in recent years."