Norfolk and Waveney has the third highest rate of maternal smoking in the country, new figures have shown - with more than one in 10 women continuing the habit through their pregnancies.

The alarming figures have shown that 11.2pc of expectant mothers do not quit in the region despite the danger it poses to their babies.

While local public health bosses say this figure is in decline, it remains the third highest rate nationwide, with just Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire eclipsing the statistic. 

Previously, as many as one in eight women locally continued to smoke throughout their pregnancy - sparking urgent warnings from public health bosses.

The council also previously considered offering £400 shopping vouchers as an incentive - however a spokeswoman said County Hall was waiting "further national developments" before rolling this out.

A Norfolk County Council spokeswoman said: "Smoking in pregnancy increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, stillbirth, miscarriage, low birth weight and poor growth and development of the baby, which can lead to ill-health during childhood and adulthood.

"Rates of smoking during pregnancy in Norfolk continue to go down but are still higher than the national average, and this is why we are working very closely with our partners to raise awareness of the risks.

"Smoking rates tend to be influenced by a range of factors such as age or family habits and we intend to undertake a project to understand more about the reasons why people continue to smoking during pregnancy, while understanding that as an addiction it can be difficult to quit."

The figures, which were collated by NHS Egland, have been shared as part of campaign led by consumer health company Kenvue to encourage more pregnant women and their partners to quit smoking.

Advice on quitting smoking during pregnancy can be found on the Just One Norfolk website.