TAUNTON is a hotbed for extra-marital affairs, according to statistics dubbing it the cheating capital of Somerset.

According to a dating site for married people, the town has 1,465 adulterers, way ahead of neighbouring Bridgwater, where 867 are having affairs.

The figures have been provided by illicitencounters.com which has seen a surge in registrations in the past five years.

Spokesman Christian Grant said: "Lots of couples in Somerset cannot afford to divorce due to the cost of establishing two new homes, so they are sticking with their partner and adding some spice to their marriage by discreetly having an affair.

"They know that with a site such as IllicitEncounters they can have an affair with a like-minded partner who is also looking to cheat. Both sides can have some fun without upsetting things at home."