Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency show that out of the 8,000 people in England diagnosed with the disease last year, 1,679 came from the North-West.

Despite being a lower figure than in 2007, when 1,743 cases were reported, it still means the region has consistently recorded the highest figures across England since 1999.

Dr Erika Duffell, a hepatitis C expert, said: "Hepatitis C is a major public health issue in the North-West and despite the increase in testing over recent years, many infections remain undiagnosed.

"If the infection is diagnosed in the early stages, treatment can be offered that can clear the infection in more than half of those treated."

The HPA model indicates that in the North-West in six years time the estimated burden of associated illness will be high, with 1,086 individuals likely to have cirrhosis and 1,919 individuals dead as a result of the hepatitis C infection.

Dr Duffell added: "As it is likely this is an underestimate of the future disease burden, the need to continue strengthening specialist hepatitis C treatment services as well as general hepatology services is considerable. In the North-West, we have given the highest priority to testing individuals and bringing them into treatment for hepatitis C. However, more needs to be done to increase awareness and improve access to services."