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OVERALL, the latest Ipsos MORI survey for The Times found that among those who are certain to vote in next year's independence referendum, 34% backed Scotland leaving the UK - up from 30% in October.

Support for Scotland staying in the union fell slightly, going from 58% to 55% over the same period.

But the poll showed a large rise in support for independence amongst voters aged 18 to 24.

This stood at 27% last October but in the new survey - which was carried out between February 4 and 9 - this had increased to 58%.

The latest figures showed 43% of people in deprived areas backed independence while 65% of those living in more affluent parts wanted Scotland to stay part of the UK.

Support for the union was also stronger among females, with 61% of women favouring this while 41% of men supported independence.

A total of 1,003 people in Scotland were questioned for the research, which also gave Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon a higher approval rating than the man leading the campaign to keep Scotland in the UK.

Ms Sturgeon, who is spearheading the campaign for independence, came out with a net approval rating of +17, with 50% of those surveyed satisfied with her performance compared to 33% who were dissatisfied.

Meanwhile 33% of people said they were satisfied with the job former chancellor Alistair Darling is doing as chair of the Better Together campaign, with 32% dissatisfied, giving him a net approval rating of +1.

Ms Sturgeon's approval rating was also higher than the +7 scored by First Minister Alex Salmond, with 50% of voters happy with his performance in the role, but 43% unhappy.

While the proportion of Scots who are satisfied with Mr Salmond has remained at 50% or more for the last 18 months, his net satisfaction rating has fallen from +35 in December 2011.

Just 27% of Scots are satisfied with David Cameron's performance as Prime Minister, while 67% are dissatisfied, giving him an approve rating of -40.

Mr Salmond's SNP came top in Holyrood voting intentions, with 43% of those polled saying they would vote for the Nationalists if there was a Scottish Parliament election tomorrow.

A total of 35% said they supported Labour, with the Tories and Liberal Democrats having the backing of 13% and 7% of those questioned respectively.

Mark Diffley, director at Ipsos MORI Scotland, said: "Our latest poll shows a boost in support for those campaigning for Scottish independence, who will take some encouragement from these findings.

"Having said that, support for independence is behind where it was a year ago and those campaigning for Scotland to remain in the UK retain a sizeable lead.

"The campaigns are entering new phases, with a greater emphasis on the issues of substance that will be key in deciding the outcome of next year's vote.

"With this in mind, this poll provides detail on where the two campaigns are strongest and weakest, allowing them to see where they need to concentrate their efforts."