BOLTONIANS are among more than 38,000 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 38,891 signatures.

Created by someone calling themselves Stu Dent, from Sheffield, it states: “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.”

Graeme Blake, who gave his location as Bolton on the site, said: “We have more in common with Scotland than Middle/South England. Freedom from the Tories.”

Carina Layfield, from Farnworth, added: “I do not agree with what the new leaders of our country are planning to do with it.

“I strongly believe that we would all stand a better chance if we merge alliances with Scotland. We will become a bigger part of the country. I say we would all be better off.”

Supporters of the petition have also been airing their views on Twitter using the hashtag #TakeUsWithYouScotland

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.