LESS people in North Somerset are Christian than ever before, according to new data. 

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the number of people who identify as Christian and 'no religion' is now almost at the same level. 

In 2011, 61 per cent of residents said they were Christian when asked by the census but in 2021 that figure fell to just 47 per cent. 

Nationally, last year was the first time since records began that in England and Wales followers of Christ fell to below half. 

Around 45 per cent also said they hold 'no religion' - ten years ago that number stood at 30 per cent. 

Other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism saw no change on 2011 figures but Islamic followers saw a rise of 0.2 per cent.

People who answered 'any other religion' remained the same at 0.5 per cent - 370 said they were pagans and 12 said they practice Heathenism - while 6.3 per cent of respondents did not answer.