The number of fatalities occurring at Beachy Head is increasing.

Latest figures from the Eastbourne Auxiliary Coastguard show 15 people have died at the notorious suicide spot since the start of the year.

If the rate of deaths continues, the total number of fatalities for this year will exceed the 23 who died last year and the 17 fatalities in 2003.

But while deaths appear to be on the rise, the number of times the Coastguard has been called to Beachy Head has fallen.

This is attributed to the role of the roving chaplains, who have been patrolling the clifftop every day from 6.45pm to midnight since last August, offering advice and counselling.

A Coastguard spokesman for the Eastbourne area said: "We very much welcome the work of the chaplains."