EAST Lancashire couples who have been married for up to 20 years are the most likely to divorce, a new study reveals.

Napthens solicitors which has offices in Blackburn, Chorley, Preston and Blackpool has collated statistics over the past six months.

The research shows that the most common circumstances in which couples have divorced are where one or both parties are aged between 40-50, in a marriage lasting 11-20 years and they have children.

It is the wife who more often than not starts the proceedings and the most common ground relied upon is ‘unreasonable behaviour.’ Adultery was blamed in just 11 per cent of all cases.

Ann Hallmark, from Napthens solicitors in Blackburn, said: “It is fascinating to see a clear pattern emerging from these figures.

“It may be that couples are marrying later than previously and that they focus for the first few years on starting and bringing up a family. By the time they reach their forties disillusionment may set in for a variety of reasons.

“On the other hand it could also be argued that Lancashire couples take their vows seriously and do not give up on marriage easily.”