MEDICAL experts in North Yorkshire have urged that an action plan needs to be drawn up to combat the county's suicide rate.

The recommendations come in an audit of suicide deaths between 2010 and 2014 and published by the county's Health and Wellbeing Board.

The report says the study is based on 227 deaths over a five-year period but adds: "It would be imprudent to assume that is findings necessarily reflect the full picture of suicide, past and future in North Yorkshire."

It says that of those who took their own lives, 82 per cent were male, 25 percent in the 40 to 49 age group, and 60 per cent were single, including those who were widowed, divorced or separated.

Some 53 per cent were identified as having had mental health issues and 41 per cent were suffering from chronic or long term illness or medical condition. Some 33 per cent had alcohol present at the time of death and 19 per cent had relationship problems.

Now the board's report has drawn up a five-point plan which includes targeting high-risk groups to reduce suicide, recognising that "multiple stresses, multiply risk," enhancing service provision, and improving support for those affected by suicide after a death. More training and awareness is urged together with developing data collection.

Latest figures, says the report, show that the average cost of someone of working age taking their own life, is £1.7m and the survey says there has been an upward trend in the suicide rate in the county.

"When broken down to district level, the suicide rate appears noticeably higher for Scarborough that the other districts.

"Of the 227 incidents recorded as part of the audit, 188 involved males. Overall incidents involving males in the 40 to 70 age range, accounted for just over half of all incidents."

Social media and cyber-bullying are influencing factors with the county's communities says the report, particularly among the younger generation.

The report calls for improved mental health services, debt and relationship counselling, advice and support in relation to alcohol and drug use.

Biggest cause of suicides were mental health, followed by ending of relationships, bereavement, stress, debt, undiagnosed mental health and long term ill health.

The report's authors included public health experts, with involvement of the county's coroners, and police.