The suicide rate in Slough has dropped significantly over the last three years new figures show, reflecting lower rates across the country.

Mental health charity Samaritans said that the reduction in registered suicides is encouraging, but said that "one death by suicide is still one too many".

Last year, there were six suicides in Slough, the lowest number recorded since 2009 with nine recorded in Windsor and Maidenhead.

Ruth Sutherland, the charity's chief executive, said: "It's encouraging to see the reduction in male suicide.

"We believe that the focus of suicide prevention in recent years to tackle the higher rates in men has contributed to this.

"Added to this, reducing stigma around men's mental health and encouraging men to open up and ask for help when they are struggling has been beneficial.

"But one death by suicide is still one too many. Suicide is complex and it's a problem of inequality. It affects the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society, male and female, disproportionately.

"This is an urgent public health issue, not simply a health or mental health one."

The statistics include all deaths from intentional self-harm for people over the age of 10 and deaths where the intent was undetermined for those aged over 15 years old.

The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org.