SOUTHAMPTON is the most generous city in the UK for giving to charity – according to a new study.

The average kind-hearted Sotonians gives more than £140 each year to good causes, a staggering £40 more than the standard Briton.

It has helped the city climb the top of the generosity table, above second placed Liverpool, whose residents give an average of £120 per person.

Sympathetic Sotonians also dig deeper into their pockets for charity than residents in London (£112), Birmingham (£115) and Manchester (£90).

One person to comment on the figure, which comes from a new report by the Co-Op, was Southampton City Council executive member for communities, culture and leisure, Satvir Kaur.

The Shirley councillor, herself a former charity fundraiser, said: “This is really amazing news, but I’m not surprised.

“I’ve seen time and time again the kindness and amazing generosity of this city.

“Alongside kind individuals we have some brilliant events like the ABP Half Marathon and anyone thinking about running in it should ensure they do it for a charity.”

The data was collected last month in a survey of 2,000 people from across the UK.

The figures showed the average Briton gives £100 a year.

According to the data, men tend to donate more than women - £111.79 per year compared to £90.28.

However women are more likely to donate their time than men, with 82 per cent of females saying they would take on charity work.

Almost half of those who said they do give time or money, said they do so as they feel a sense of responsibility, while a just under a third admit that they do it because it makes them feel happy.

Rufus Olins, Group Communities and Campaigns Director, at the Co-op said: “At a time when inequality is threatening the wellbeing of our communities, it is heartening to see the appetite exists to reverse the trend.”

The report weeks after the Co-op revealed a £225,000 funding boost to local good causes in Southampton through one of its charity schemes.

Dozens of charities benefited from the scheme, including Carers Together Southampton, Southampton Society for the Blind and 11th Itchen South Scout Group, all of which received more than £1,400.