JUST over half of people in Malvern identify as English.

Malvern Hills was higher than the national average with just over half of the population, 51 per cent, choosing to identify as English.

Results from the latest population survey from the Office for National Statistics show that 43 per cent of people in England identified as English. 

Survey respondents had many different options to choose from, including British, English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish and other. 

Malvern Hills however is continuing the nationally declining trend with 58 per cent in 2016 and 54 per cent in 2006. 

Figures in England have fallen overall with 52 per cent in 2016, 54 per cent in 2013, even being as high as 59 per cent in 2004. 

Sunder Katwala, director of the British Future think tank, which works to promote diversity and social inclusion, said: "People’s sense of Englishness ebbs and flows.

"You'll see a lot of England flags in June when the Three Lions are competing in the Euros, and then they'll disappear again.

"We could do a lot more to celebrate English identity outside of major sporting moments, in an inclusive way – flying the flag with pride and making sure everyone feels invited to the party on St George’s Day.

"Getting behind a shared English identity could help bring people together."

Professor John Denham director of the centre for English identity and politics at the University of Southampton, said: "The findings should be approached with caution. 

"Many people only select one response, despite having multiple identities."

In Malvern Hills, 58 per cent of respondents identified as British, one per cent above the national average.