The cost of commuting in Moray is amongst the highest in the whole of the United Kingdom, according to new figures.

The region has appeared 12th out of 381 local authorities across the UK in the Countryside Alliance's investigation into the cost of commuting.

The table was calculated using current fuel costs and distance to work figures provided in the recent census.

Moray MP Angus Robertson said: "These figures from the Countryside Alliance confirm what most folk in Moray probably already suspected, that we have some of the highest fuel costs for commuting in the UK.

"Of 381 local authorities Moray has the 12th highest fuel cost for commuting per month - a whopping £80, a £6 increase since January.

"Scotland is an oil producing nation and for our own people here in Moray being hit on three fronts with high fuel prices, high car reliance and low wages, the Tories and Lib-Dems need to get their heads out of the sand on this issue.

"Fuel prices continue to dominate the issues that are raised with me by constituents. Not only is it an essential item in a rural region but the more money that is eaten up on our forecourts the less money there is spent in local businesses."