THE Northumberland areas which saw the biggest rise in death toll during the coronavirus pandemic have been revealed.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics compares the number of deaths registered during the pandemic to a baseline from previous years.

In the 14 months to the end of April, there were 4,759 deaths registered in Northumberland – 487 (11.4 per cent) more than the 4,272 predicted, according to ONS figures.

Of the deaths, 700 had Covid-19 listed as the main cause – but many coronavirus-related deaths at the start of the pandemic may have been undiagnosed, the ONS said.

A further breakdown for Northumberland, released for the first time, shows which of the area’s 40 neighbourhoods had the highest and lowest excess death rates during the pandemic. The measurement compares the number of deaths registered during the period with how many were predicted based on previous mortality rates between 2014 and 2019.

In Northumberland, the areas with the highest excess death rates were: East Cramlington and Parkside, Longhougton and Alnmouth, and Prudhoe with 147 deaths – 29 (24.6 per cent) more than expected, including 19 due to coronavirus.

The areas with the lowest excess death rates were: Ashington South, Wylam and Ovingham, with 59 deaths, 14 (19.2 per cent) fewer than expected, including six due to Covid-19, and Blyth Cowpen.

In Northumberland, the highest number of excess deaths came in April last year when there were 234.

“It is clear that different areas of the county have been impacted”, said Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South. “The report offers limited information but interesting statistics. The pandemic has had a devastating impact upon every community.” He added: “’It has been apparent that in Northumberland so many professionals and volunteers have rallied around to support those in need and this has been well received by all - something we should all be proud of. I would like to remind residents the pandemic is still with us and urge anyone offered the vaccine to seriously consider having it.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said increasing vaccine uptake was a “key step” to addressing the disparity of outcomes for those who catch Covid.