High Wycombe is no longer the most adulterous town in the country, according to data collected by a dating website, despite an increase in the number of people having an affair.

Last year the town claimed the top spot after it was discovered 2,119 people in High Wycombe confessed to cheating on their husband or wife, representing 2.12 per cent of the population.

The town has now moved down to seventh place however 2,125 people, or 1.77 per cent of the population, now admit to having an affair.

High Wycombe’s percentage of cheaters relevant to the population still races ahead its local rivals in Chesham (450), Beaconsfield (356), Amersham (261), and Princes Risborough (147).

The ‘Infidelity Index’ was compiled by IllicitEncounters.com, a dating website for married people.

Bosses boast it creates an environment for “like-minded people” who are “looking for fun but don’t want to upset the applecart at home”.

Spokesperson for the site, Christian Grant, said: “People have had affairs since the dawn of time, but the last decade in particular has seen a large spike.

“The site has grown exponentially, and it’s thanks to the turbulent economy and increase in house prices that has left many people financially crippled, unable to divorce should their marriage hit the rocks.

“So, they seek the only other viable alternative that they have: an affair. It’s cheaper than a divorce, and it’s safer than ever before.”

The official Infidelity Index 2017 can be viewed at www.infidelityindex.co.uk