An investigation has shown heroin overdoses are the leading cause of death among men aged between 20 and 44 in Brighton and Hove.

Last year in the two towns, 36 people died from overdoses, usually of heroin combined with tranquillisers or alcohol.

The deaths have been investigated in depth by a working group set up by East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority's Drug Action Team.

Coroners were consulted, inquest records examined and more than 20 services, including GPs and accident and emergency centres, provided information. A report outlining the group's findings has just been released.

Group chairman Dr Tom Scanlon, a consultant in public health medicine with the health authority, said: "This is an important report that gives real local insight into a very serious health problem.

"There are clear recommendations for all professionals involved with people who misuse substances.

"The challenge will be to see that they are implemented."

The steering group's report coincides with the publication of the national report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, a body of experts set up to advise ministers, called Reducing Drug Related Deaths.

The East Sussex group's recommendations include:

targeting health education to warn of the risks of overdoses, combining heroin with other substances and injecting drugs.

training drug-users to recognise overdoses and take steps to help themselves and others.

improved communication between ambulance crews and GPs who deal with addicts who have overdosed.

*training for healthcare workers and others about the lifestyle of drug-users to promote humane, sympathetic treatment.

Last month the health authority confirmed a Brighton heroin addict had died after being infected with bacteria called Clostridium novyi, linked to the deaths of heroin users in the North.

There are more than 500 heroin addicts using the health authority's drug care services.