They might not have their own anthem, flag or native tongue, but the people of East Sussex are among the proudest in Britain about where theylive.

A survey has found 37 per cent of inhabitants have stronger feelings about being from their home county than they do about being English, British or European.

Only Cornwall, which has its own flag and language, scored higher in the patriotic poll conducted on behalf of the financial services company Morgan Stanley.

The survey asked almost 5,000 adults living in Britain what regional identity they considered to be most relevant to them.

Councillor Peter Jones, leader of East Sussex County Council, was not surprised many people chose county over country.

He said: "East Sussex is certainly one of the most beautiful counties in the country and we have got good reasons to be proud of it."