Smoking rates in Oxford plummeted by more than 50 per cent from 2012 to 2022, the highest decrease in the UK.

The data released by nicotine pouch store, Two Wombats, revealed this decrease of 54.6 per cent was followed by Swindon with 53.4 per cent, and Edinburgh with 51.7 per cent.

In 2012, 16.3 per cent of people in Oxford were smokers, but this dropped to 7.4 per cent in 2022.

The city also recorded that only 18.5 per cent of residents in 2022 considered themselves to be ex-smokers, compared to 34.5 per cent in 2012.

Almost three quarters of Oxford's population in 2022 also said they had never smoked before.

Cormac Folan, a smoking expert and spokesperson from Two Wombats, said: "It is encouraging and promising to see these cities making significant progress in reducing smoking rates.

"When it comes to quitting smoking, having a strong support network, source of positive influence and encouraging environment can help individuals quit smoking successfully. "

Other cities to see the biggest decreases were Newcastle, Bournemouth, York and Brighton.

The figures come as the government looks to bring in a youth smoking ban.

The legislation would outlaw the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009.

It would effectively prevent those born in 2009 or later from ever legally purchasing tobacco products.