The highest rate was among men in Blackpool

The Office for National Statistics said there were 5,755 suicides in the UK in 2003, the lowest number since 1973.

The highest rates were in the North West and North East of England and in Wales, with the highest rate for men being in Blackpool, Lancashire.

The highest rate for women was recorded in the North West and the lowest in the East of England.

The rate in Blackpool between 2000 and 2003 was more than twice the national average, with 39.1 deaths recorded per 100,000 population.

Blackpool has also been identified as having the highest teenage pregnancy rate, and the highest number of alcohol-related deaths among men.

Young male suicides remain our biggest challenge Prof Louis Appleby

For women, the highest individual rates were in Camden, London, and in Conwy, north Wales, at 13.8 and 13.6 deaths per 100,000 population respectively.

Suicide rates for men rose steadily throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but the rates have dropped since 1998.

The national director for mental health, Professor Louis Appleby, said: "Today's figures are welcome confirmation of the improvements that we know are happening nationally to reduce suicide rates.

"Young male suicides remain our biggest challenge, though they are beginning to show signs of reduction.

"The National Suicide Prevention Strategy highlights young male suicides as one of its priorities and we will continue to work towards reducing the number of suicides further."

Health Minister Rosie Winterton welcomed the figures.

"I'm extremely encouraged by these figures," she said.

"The sustained downward trend shows that our National Suicide Prevention Strategy is having an effect."

Marjorie Wallace, Chief Executive of the mental health charity SANE, said: "We welcome the reduction in the overall number of adult suicides shown in these figures.

"However, the rate is still unacceptably high, especially amongst young men and mentally ill people in prison.