About 2,500 students at three of the county's colleges, including Central Sussex College in Crawley took part in the lifestyle survey.

The youngsters, aged between 16 and 24 were quizzed about their everyday habits and heal-related behaviour.

The students were also asked about their mental health, sexual behaviour and their safety.

The study was conducted by West Sussex PCT, West Sussex County Council and the Learning Skills Council.

The pool of students came from Central Sussex College, which is based in Crawley and Mid Sussex, Northbrook College in Worthing and Chichester College.

The findings revealed that:

• 40 per cent of men and 35 per cent of women smoke

• 25 per cent of students admitted binge drinking regularly and a further 47 per cent occasionally

• Almost 11 per cent of men are regular users of cannabis compared with 2 per cent of women

• Just over 10 per cent of students consume the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

• More than 12 per cent of students reported they had been bullied over the past year

• More than 42 per cent of 19-year-olds were sexually active by the age of 16.

Catherine Scott, the trust's associate director of public health said: "We know many young people have lifestyles that put them at risk of poorer health outcomes and reduced quality of life in future. This survey gives us essential information on how young people are living in West Sussex so that we can understand what services are needed to help them reach their full potential."