WORCESTERSHIRE has a higher than average rate of smokers aged between 11 and 17, new statistics have shown.

Figures released this week show an estimated 5.2 per cent of children aged between 11 and 15 are regular or occasional smokers, in comparison with an average of 4.6 per cent in England.

An estimated 13.7 per cent of 15-year-olds in the county are believed to smoke regularly or occasionally, compared with 12.7 per cent nationally, along with 22.2 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds, in comparison with 20.8 per cent across England.

The figures have been released following a study commissioned by Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence following an announcement that the government is planning to introduce plain packaging to cigarettes in an effort to deter young people from taking up the habit.

National director for health and wellbeing with Public Health England Professor Kevin Fenton said, while the amount of young people smoking nationally was at its lowest level ever, more needed to be done to bring the figures down further.

“We know smoking rates vary considerably across the country and smoking causes greater harm to more deprived communities,” he said.

"The estimates shine a light on communities where young people have a higher risk of smoking and will help local agencies to focus efforts where they are most needed.

"We want to secure a tobacco-free generation and these figures will help us towards this goal.

“Our most disadvantaged communities have the most to gain."

It is estimated almost eight million people in England smoke, with 90 per cent having started before the age of 19.

Although it is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone younger than 18, it is not against the law for children aged 16 and 17 to smoke.

Hartlepool and Gateshead in the north east of England along with Plymouth and South Tyneside were among the highest areas in the country for youth smoking while the lowest were generally concentrated in Greater London.

There are a range of clinics and services in Worcestershire to help smokers kick the habit. Anyone struggling to quit smoking should speak to their GP.