PREGNANT mothers contine to puff away in north Essex at a higher rate than anywhere else in Essex.

It is also among the highest rates in East Anglia.

During 2014/15 the north east essex clinical commissioning group reported the highest levels in every quarter.

It means about 16 per cent of babies are born to smoking others here compared to about half that nationally.

Health experts warn smoking during pregnancy means less oxygen is delivered to the baby.

It can also poison the placenta and increase the risk of miscarriage.

The figures were published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre.