The Latin American population of London is  113,500 - about the same as the Polish and Chinese communities, according to research, "No Longer Invisible", published this week. They are one of the fastest growing migrant groups in the capital.

Brazilians have overtaken Colombians as the largest group, and their greatest concentration is in the boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth.

There are slightly more women than men, one-third are unable to speak or write anything other than a little English, and although 70 per cent are educated beyond high school half are in basic jobs, such as cleaning.

This is ironic, because almost half say they left their homeland for economic reasons.

One of the most important results of the research by a team at Queen Mary's, University of London, is that it will support a campaign for migrants to identify themselves as Latin Americans - a category rarely available on official questionnaires and forms.

This in turn may help the community gain recognition - and better access to services.

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