Over a third of smokers in Brighton and Hove have successfully kicked the habit, a study has found.

Research comparing the quit smoking rates of cities across the UK found that 36 per cent of smokers in the region had quit as the proportion of smokers had fallen for many years.

The study by tobacco-free nicotine pouch producer Haypp also found that over 60s in the city had the best chance of giving up smoking.

Markus Lindblad, from Haypp, said: “Following UK government guidance, those who reduce the amount they smoke are more likely to stop smoking eventually, particularly if they are using licensed nicotine-containing product alternatives.

“The national harm reduction strategy, where the switch to alternative, less harmful, nicotine products such as nicotine pouches is encouraged, has been key to the UK being one of the most successful countries in Europe in reducing the number of smokers.”

The survey also found that an equal amount of men and woman in Brighton have quit smoking, while 72 per cent of pregnant smokers in the city had stopped.

The number of smokers in the UK has decreased in the last decade, falling from nearly 20 per cent in 2011 to just 14 per cent in 2019.