The percentage of adult smokers in Blackburn with Darwen dropped by around three per cent in 2023, figures show.

This mirrors a drop in rates across the UK as smoking levels in the country hit an all-time low.

A survey by the Office for National Statistics showed an estimated 16.6 per cent of adults in the borough were smokers in 2023 – down from 19.4 per cent the year before.

The survey was based on 406 respondents.

It also showed 21 per cent of adults in Blackburn with Darwen were ex-smokers, while 62.4 per cent have never smoked.

READ MORE: North Wensley Fold in Blackburn named as ‘defibrillator desert' by BHF

Professor Abdul Razak, the council’s director of public health, said: “Smoking cigarettes is a leading cause of ill health and increasing risk of developing cancers and respiratory disease in Blackburn with Darwen.

“The council has commissioned a new smoking cessation service that launched recently, providing better access and a wider range of support to services alongside the current community pharmacy offer; to help residents who wish to make a quit attempt.

“It is never too late to make the change and kick the habit for good for a healthier future for you and your family.”

Across the UK, smoking levels reached their lowest level since national records began in 2011, with 11.9% of adults saying they smoked cigarettes. In the North West, 11.8% smoked.

Action of Smoking and Health chief executive Hazel Cheeseman said the figures are proof the country is "ready to be smoke-free".

She added: "There is cross-party support for ending the sale of tobacco and creating a generation free from the harms of smoking and Government should bring forward the bill as soon as possible."

Despite the progress, she said there is still more to be done.

READ MORE: 9,500 people in Pendle taking part in Beat the Street

She added: "Our poorest communities continue to pay the price for tobacco company profits, as do our public services and economy.

"Alongside creating a smoke-free generation, the Government must maintain the commitment of the last Government to invest in support to help the 6 million people currently smoking to quit."

Separate figures from the ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey found around 5.1 million adults aged 16 years and over (9.8%) used an e-cigarette daily or occasionally in Great Britain last year.

Professor Nick Hopkinson, respiratory physician and chairman of ASH, said: "Vaping has helped millions of adults quit smoking and is much less harmful than smoking.

"However, it is not risk-free and high levels of use among young people and growing use among never smokers is a concern."

He said the new bill must provide a "tough" regulatory framework to control the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes.

"We need to reinforce the role of vaping as a tool to stop smoking, not a lifestyle accessory," he added.