THE DESIRE  to quit smoking for residents of Gloucester is high when compared with other UK regions, a new study has suggested. 

The research, conducted by GoSmokeFree looked at the average number of Google searches each month over the past year for terms related to quitting smoking in all major UK towns and cities per 100,000 population.

The results have determined the areas of the UK where most residents are looking to kick their smoking habit, with Gloucester ranking 18th out of a table of 78. 

With a reported population of 133,522, Gloucester’s average monthly searches for related keywords was 155.00, with 116.1 keyword searches per 100,000 population. 

Preston ranked the highest for the desire to quit, closely followed by Wakefield, Rochdale and Mansfield. Gateshead, Nottingham and Derby found themselves bottom of the table.

A spokesperson for Go Smoke Free said: "The findings reveal a surprising trend in the UK's smoking cessation landscape. 

“While larger cities might be assumed to have higher interest in quitting due to having better access to resources, it's actually several smaller locations like Preston, Wakefield, and Rochdale leading the charge. 

“This suggests that localised factors, such as community support programmes or targeted health campaigns, could be playing a crucial role in influencing individuals' decisions to quit.”

If you are looking for help to quit smoking, you can find your local Stop Smoking Service via the NHS website.