BRITAIN'S trade gap widened to a record £34.3bn last year as exports continued to take a hammering.

Data from the Office for National Statistics showed 2002 recorded the biggest deficit - the difference between what Britain imports and exports - since records began in 1697.

Its figures showed exports in goods last year tumbled to £185.68bn, £4.37bn less than in 2001.

Imports also fell, by £3.66bn to £219.99bn. The falls gave a balance of £34.31bn, wider than the £33.61bn seen in 2001.

Exports have been hit by the global economic slowdown, the relative strength of the pound and by competition from developing countries.

The pressure has damaged Britain's manufacturing industry, leading to factory closures and thousands of job cuts.