CUMBRIANS are among more than 10,000 people who have signed a petition calling for the north of England to break free and join an independent Scotland.

The demand would create a border from Chester in the west across to Hull on the east coast.

So far the petition - on the change.org website - has gathered nearly 12,000 signatures.

Created by Stu Dent, from Sheffield, it says: “The deliberations in Westminster are becoming increasingly irrelevant to the north of England. The northern cities feel far greater affinity with their Scottish counterparts such as Glasgow and Edinburgh than with the ideologies of the London-centric south.

“The needs and challenges of the north cannot be understood by the endless parade of old Etonions lining the frontbenches of the House of Commons.

“The north of England should join the newly independent Scotland and regain control over its own destiny.

“We, the people of the north, demand that in the event that Scotland becomes independent the border between England and the New Scotland be drawn along a line that runs between the River Dee and the mouth of The Humber.”

Alastair Perry, who gave his location as Carlisle on the site, said: "I am Scottish but have lived in England for more than two thirds of my life.

"I travel all over Cumbria with my work and it is abundantly evident to me that the people of Northern England have for more in common with the Scots than they do with the folks of Southern England."

Benjamin Houldsworth, from Barrow, added: "I'm sick of adhereing to a government, which doesn't represent my part of the country. Nor cares about the north in general."

A national referendum was held in Scotland in September last year. 

Voters were asked to answer either 'Yes' or 'No' to the question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?

The 'No' option won, achieving 55.3 per cent of the vote, compared to 44.7 per cent from the 'Yes' supporters.