The report challenges the idea rural life is idyllic

A lack of jobs, poor transport and expensive child care costs are among the severe problems faced by people living in rural areas.

Difficulties for those bringing up children and for those with special health and education needs were also highlighted by report - called The Good Life? - carried out by children's charities Barnardo's Cymru and NCH.

The charities are now calling for the Welsh Assembly to bring in new strategies to help families living in the country on low incomes.

Reverend Michael Grainger, the vicar of Maenclochog in Pembrokeshire, identified a few of the current problems, including very little transport in his parish.

"There are no cinemas, there are no theatres, there are relatively few facilities other than the basic shops," he said.

Limited prospects

Figures from the Wales Consumer Council show that over half the households in rural Wales have an income of less than �10,000 and unemployment is significantly higher than in urban areas.

Unemployment in those areas involved in The Good Life? study often had double the overall rate in Wales.

The report also revealed that access to employment often depended on car ownership and work was often seasonal and had limited career prospects.

Parents want to stay living where they are because most are strongly attached to their local communities Andy James, Barnardo's Cymru

Andy James, from Barnardo's Cymru, said that living in the country was far from idyllic for many.

"We found families living on low incomes experience many of the same poverty-related problems as those faced by those in urban areas," said Andy James from Barnardo's Cymru.

"In addition, they have to cope with the extra difficulties that are specific to living in rural areas.

"If families don't have a car, this can leave them socially isolated.

"This can all add to the stress of bringing up families on a limited amount of money.

"We believe the assembly needs to acknowledge the level of rural poverty in Wales in all its policies and initiatives," he added.

He added that most families did not want to move into more urban areas.

"Parents want opportunities for themselves and their children which allow them to stay living where they are because most are strongly attached to their local communities," he said.

During research, 63 families - with a total of 125 children - were interviewed across seven local authority areas.

Almost half were dependent on benefits.