THERE are fewer teenage smokers in Redbridge than anywhere else in the UK, new data has revealed.

According to statistics from NHS Digital, only 3.5 per cent of under 15-year-olds in Redbridge smoke, which is the lowest child smoking rate in the country.

London appears to have fared well in the figures, with Enfield home to the second lowest number of teen smokers (3.5 per cent), Brent the fourth (4.2 per cent), and Newham the fifth (4.3 per cent).

But on the other side of the capital Richmond Upon Thames has the second highest number of teen smokers (14.3 per cent), only beaten by Brighton and Hove with 14.9 per cent.

The stats showed 18 per cent of 11 to 15-year-olds admitted smoking at least once, while 53 per cent said they get their cigarettes from total strangers.

They also claim 85 per cent of youngsters will try smoking just to “look cool” in front of their friends.

E-cigarette company Vapourlite’s managing director Charles Bloom said: “Statistics like these prove there is a need for more preventative measures and support, in relation to young adults and smoking.

“We are yet to surpass smoking as an issue and so often it starts with young people – it would be foolish to overlook it.”