More adults in Brighton and Hove now smoking last year, new figures show.

Based on the 430 respondents to the Office for National Statistic's annual population survey in Brighton and Hove, an estimated 15.3 per cent of adults in the area were smokers in 2023 – up from 12.8 per cent the year before.

The survey asked people if they "smoke cigarettes nowadays".

The figures also showed 38.1 per cent of adults in Brighton and Hove were ex-smokers, while 46.5 per cent have never smoked.

Across the UK, smoking levels reached their lowest level since national records began in 2011, with 11.9 per cent of adults saying they smoked cigarettes. In the South East, 10.6 per cent smoked.

The figures also showed those aged 25 to 34 years had the highest proportion of current smokers in the UK. In the South East, 45 to 54 year-olds made up the highest proportion (12.4 per cent).

Separate figures from the ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey found around 5.1 million adults aged 16 years and over (9.8 per cent) used an e-cigarette daily or occasionally in Great Britain last year.

E-cigarette use was highest among people aged 16 to 24 years, with 15.8 per cent using e-cigarettes either daily or occasionally.