A Sussex town has more smokers than anywhere else in the South-East.

Figures published by the South-East England Public Health Observatory show 33 per cent of adults in Hastings smoke.

This is much higher than the regional average of 21 per cent.

Brighton and Hove, Worthing, Arun, Eastbourne, Adur and Crawley also had percentages higher than the regional average, ranging from 22 to 27 per cent.

Lewes, Mid Sussex, Chichester, Wealden, Rother and Horsham were all between 15 and 20 per cent.

Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) across the county say they are doing as much as they can to help people kick the habit.

Brighton and Hove City Council has introduced a ban on smoking in all of its buildings and in public open spaces such as children's play areas.

The rules were brought in ahead of planned Government legislation to ban smoking in public places although at the moment pubs which do not serve food will be exempt.

Hastings and Rother PCT says it has been working hard to encourage people to give up smoking and in the last year has helped almost 800 people kick the habit through its smoking cessation courses.

Ivan Rudd, head of health improvement at the PCT, said: "Smoking is the main cause of preventable illness and premature death, with most smokers dying from lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or coronary heart disease.

"The statistics are truly shocking with one person dying each day in Hastings from smoking.

"With this in mind it is extremely disappointing our message is not getting through to everyone and large numbers of people are still smoking.

"However, the members of our smoking cessation team are determined to build on their success and encourage more people to quit.

Anyone who wants to stop smoking can call the Hastings and Rother NHS Smoking Helpline on 01424 457153, or make a GP appointment.