More people die of lung cancer in Bristol than anywhere else in the region, according to new figures.

The report has been published alongside the launch of a new task force to try and reduce the number of people smoking in the South West.

Data gathered in the region shows that about 60 men in every 100,000 die from the disease associated with smoking, and about 30 women.

The records, from 2002 to 2006, also show that about 70 in every 100,000 men suffered lung cancer and almost 40 women.

And while more men are dying from lung cancer than women in the South West death rates have risen in women in the last 20 years while falling in men.

People living in the most deprived parts of the region are more likely to contract lung cancer than in the most affluent.

The report has been published by the South West Public Health Observatory, which previously highlighted Knowle West, Bedminster, Whitchurch Park and Hartcliffe as being among parts of the region where most people died prematurely as a result of smoking.

Public health minister and MP for Bristol South, Dawn Primarolo, is launching Smokefree South West in Taunton on Monday afternoon to help "shake off the stranglehold that smoking has on the region's health".

Ms Primarolo said: "Cutting smoking is key to closing the health gap in our region.

"We have made good progress on reducing overall smoking rates. Now we've got to zero in on the groups at greatest risk - particularly young people and those from the poorest communities - so that we can help them to kick the habit for good."

Smokefree South West will work to reduce the number of smokers in the region by promoting smoke-free environments, preventing children and young adults from taking up the habit, and reducing the availability of cheap smuggled tobacco.

It will also encourage smokers to use the NHS Stop Smoking Service.

Fiona Andrews, director of Smokefree South West said: "Smoking is the single biggest contributor to health inequalities and premature death and disease in the UK. More than one in two of all lifelong smokers will die from their habit through diseases such as lung cancer.

"Reducing the number of people who smoke, particularly amongst women and those who live in the most deprived areas is the only effective way to reduce lung cancer cases and deaths, and this is at the top of our agenda."