TEENAGERS in Brighton and Hove are some of the most prolific smokers in the country.

A national survey reveals 14.7% of 15-year-olds in the city regularly lit up, compared to the national average 8.2%.

Almost 13% of teenagers in East Sussex are also current smokers, with Richmond in Surrey, Torbay and Blackpool the only other authorities to have similar results.

West Sussex had a rate of about 10.5%.

The information, published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, came from the first What About YOUth? Survey of 15-year-olds, which took place in 2014.

It comes as Brighton and Hove is running a consultation on proposals to introduce a voluntary smoking ban on its beaches and in its parks.

Public health teams in Sussex said a lot of work was being done to encourage young people to either give up smoking or not starting up in the first place.

Brighton and Hove City Council deputy director of public health, Peter Wilkinson, said: "Through our public health schools programme we are addressing smoking among pupils of all ages, and also among parents and staff.

“We have a dedicated smoking cessation adviser working with our schools, as well as school health trainers helping young and old adopt a healthier lifestyle.

“Our stop smoking work is carried out through assemblies, workshop and also drop-ins where we work jointly with school nurses and youth workers to help young people access information and advice on all health issues, including smoking.

“All our schools are designated as smoke free areas.”

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: “Although the number of teenagers smoking in the county is higher than we would like it to be, especially in deprived areas, our own research has shown a downward trend in recent years, which is encouraging.

“We are actively working with schools to educate young people and provide help to those who wish to quit smoking.

"The Trading Standards team in West Sussex is also actively addressing illicit and underage tobacco sales, with on-going investigations around the county.

“However, research suggests that parental smoking is the biggest influence to a young person and 60 per cent of 14-15 year olds in West Sussex who smoke live with at least one adult who is a smoker.

“We would, therefore, encourage all adults who smoke to also seek out support to help them stop.”