The number of divorces in England and Wales has fallen for a fifth successive year to their lowest rate for 29 years.

In 2008, the divorce rate in England and Wales decreased by 2.5% to 11.5 divorcing people per 1,000 married people, compared with 11.8 in 2007.

Divorces in Scotland fell by 10% from 2007 to 2008, while divorces in Northern Ireland decreased by 4.8%.

The report, by the Office for National Statistics, did not analyse the reasons why divorce rates had fallen.

The 2008 divorce rate in England and Wales was the lowest since 1979, when there were 11.2 divorces per 1,000 married people.

However, for the fourth consecutive year, both men and women in their late 20s had the highest divorce rates in England and Wales.

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The proportion of divorcing men and women who had also had a previous marriage that ended in divorce, has almost doubled since 1981.

In 2008, of all decrees awarded to one partner, rather than jointly to both, more than half – 67% – were awarded to the wife.

Half of couples divorcing in 2008 had at least one child aged under 16.