Children from poorer areas are under more pressure than youngsters in affluent areas to buy designer clothing.

New research has shown that they are also more likely to be bullied if they fail to buy expensive labels

Researchers from The Centre for Theology and Public Issues at Edinburgh University discussed the issue of designer gear with 44 secondary and primary school pupils from advantaged and disadvantaged areas of the city.

They found that less privileged children faced much more peer pressure to conform over clothes to demonstrate that they have money for clothes.

But in more advantaged areas, the pressures were less and bullying much less severe.

The report, Consumer Culture, Social Values And The Next Generation, also found differences between boys and girls, with boys under more pressure to conform.

Meanwhile parents in disadvantaged areas encountered more friction with their children over clothes than those in more well-off parts of the city

The research was funded by the Health Education Board for Scotland, Save the Children Scotland and the Gordon Cook Foundation.