20% of teens smoke despite knowing heart risk

Almost one in five teenagers are smokers, with girls more likely to smoke than boys, it has emerged.

A teen health study found girls (19%) were more likely to smoke than boys (16%). However, where boys do smoke, they are heavier smokers.

Seven out of 10 young male smokers smoke five or more a day, 34% smoke 10 or more, and 8% are smoking 20 a day.