The number of children and teenagers trying vaping has doubled in five years, official figures show. A report from Public Health England (PHE) shows around one in six children aged between 11 and 18 has tried e-cigarettes, with many saying they liked the flavours.

In total, 15.9 per cent of those in this age group reported having tried vaping, the data from 2018 shows – a rise from 8.1 per cent in 2014.

Most had not continued with the habit, but 3.4 per cent classed themselves as current vapers, the research found – more than double the 1.6 per cent five years ago.

“Experimentation and use of e-cigarettes has been increasing steadily over time,” the report said.

When those who had tried an e-cigarette were asked why, 57.2 per cent said they wanted to give it a try, while 16.1 per cent said they liked the flavours.

PHE has thrown its weight behind vaping, which it says is 95 per cent less harmful than smoking. Officials say any smoker trying to quit should be offered the devices, which should be offered by GPs on prescription.

Prof John Newton, PHE health improvement director, last night said Britain was not seeing the kind of trends seen in the United States, where up to one in five young people are estimated to be regularly using e-cigarettes.