CHESHIRE has some of the lowest suicide rates in the north west.

Figures revealed at a Cheshire West and Chester Council health and wellbeing board meeting on Wednesday show that the borough has the joint-seventh lowest suicide rate out of 23 areas – along with Warrington.

In the most recent figures, the two boroughs had a suicide rate of 9.9 per 100,000 population for 2014 to 2016 – which was the same as the national average, but below the north west average of 11.

In contrast, Blackpool had the highest rate at 16 per 100,000, followed by St Helens at 15.8 – which was the highest figure in the Cheshire and Merseyside healthcare partnership region.

Helen Bromley, consultant in public health at CWAC, said: “Our ultimate aim is to eliminate suicide – but in the meantime we are working to decrease those numbers.

“Compared to places like St Helens we are not doing too badly, but one suicide is one too many.”

The figures showed a total of 88 suicides in Cheshire West for 2014 to 2016, and 55 in Warrington.

Neighbouring Cheshire East had a slightly higher suicide rate of 10.6 per 100,000 population, after 106 suicides occurred in the two-year period.

Meanwhile, Halton had the second-lowest suicide rate in the north west and the lowest in Cheshire and Merseyside at 7.5 per 100,000 population – following 25 suicides.

Ms Bromley added that more work needed to be done to support those who are self harming in Cheshire and Merseyside, in a bid to help prevent suicide.

Anyone who needs support with mental health issues can call Samaritans 24 hours a day on 116 123, or call 999 in an emergency.