Epsom has the second highest abortion rate in England and Wales among teenagers, with almost three in four conceptions ending in termination.

New figures show that although the teenage pregnancy rate is low, 74 per cent of those who do conceive go on to have an abortion.

Mole Valley comes in fourth, with 70 per cent of pregnant youngsters choosing termination.

Both areas have comparatively low rates of conception among the under-18s, with 23.6 conceptions per 1,000 women aged between 15 and 17 in Epsom and 20.2 in Mole Valley.

Pressures from society on teenage mums combined with ease of access to abortion services are two of the major factors influencing the abortion rate, according to research carried out by think tank the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The study shows that abortion rates among young women who become pregnant tend to be lower in socially disadvantaged areas even though these areas also have the highest rates of conception among the under-18s.

It was carried out by researchers from Southampton University for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which researches issues affecting society.

A spokesman for East Elmbridge and Mid Surrey Primary Care Trust said: "The PCT is continually working hard to educate young people on sexual health issues and reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.

"We are pleased to see there has been a decline in the number of teenage conceptions in Surrey 3.9 per cent decline from 2001 to 2002 Teenage Pregnancy Unit.

"In addition, this area has one of the lowest rates of teenage conceptions, a figure that is less than half the national average. However, we are not complacent and are continually striving to improve and develop our services in this area."