The lure of smoking remains strong

A report by the Schools Health Education Unit also found that increasing numbers of children live in homes where someone smokes.

The report focuses on the way young people's attitudes to smoking changed between 1983 and 2001.

Two-fifths of 12 to 13-year-olds admitted they had tried cigarettes in 2001 - up from 30% in 1990.

Among 14 to 15-year-olds the figure was 60% - compared with 57% in 1990.

Of the 299,543 young people questioned, more than half lived in a home where at least one person smoked.

Some of the children surveyed got their cigarettes from parents or older siblings, while others shared the cost of a packet.

The rise in those experimenting with smoking has been matched by an increase in regular smokers as well Dr David Regis

Three-quarters of young smokers want to kick the habit.

This proportion has remained static over the years despite government campaigns to discourage smoking.

Smoking during teenage years increases the risk of lung cancer, even if the smoker stops.

Twenty-two per cent of 14 to 15-year-old girls and around 6% of 12 to 13-year-old girls report smoking regularly.

However, figures from Scotland show a significant fall in the number of 15-year-old boys and girls who smoke.

Concern

Dr David Regis, research manager at the Schools Health Education Unit, said the increase in the number of children experimenting with smoking was a concern.

He said: "This is more than just trying a cigarette. The rise in those experimenting with smoking has been matched by an increase in regular smokers as well.

"If an increase in experimentation was all that it was - it would be no problem.

"But some of them do go on to regular smoking and then start a habit which may go on for years and the health consequences are very serious."

Amanda Sandford, research manager at anti-smoking organisation Ash, said: "The results of this research are worrying. It is possibly as a result of the liberalisation in society's attitude towards drugs in general.

"If any young person wants to give up and wants extra support, they can do so this Wednesday, which is Non-Smoking Day."