Carlisle is one of the North West’s hotspots for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) according to a new study.

Health experts at FROM MARS have analysed data from across the country and have found that Carlisle ranks at the 6th highest in the north-west, ahead of places like Lancaster, Burnley and Knowsley.

Copeland, on the other hand was the 4th lowest in the country whilst Allerdale was well below the average figure.

The highest STI figures in the north-west were in Manchester whilst the highest in the country were in London, with Lambeth topping the list.

The most prominent STI in Carlisle was chlamydia with 227 cases per 100,000 people although this falls just under the national average of 252.6 cases per 100,000.

This new study comes after public health England (PHE) issued a report saying that despite a drop in the rate of STIs during the pandemic they were concerned with the level of infections across the country.

Dr Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections section at PHE, said ''it’s important that we continue to look after our sexual health and wellbeing. If you are having sex with new or casual partners, use a condom and get tested – STIs can pose serious consequences to your own health and that of your current or future sexual partners.''

FROM MARS used data collected by PHE as part of its sexual and reproductive health profile as the bedrock of the study and created a unique formula to determine overall STI levels around the country.