Just 5% of Britons are giving something up for Lent

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

Only a small proportion of Brits are marking the season of Lent by giving something up, according to a poll.

It is a tradition for Christians to sacrifice something they love, like coffee and chocolate, during the 40 days leading up to Easter. 

But a survey by YouGov indicates that even most Christians are not giving something up this year - just 11% said they were doing so. 

This is a significant fall from the 20% of British Christians who said they were when they were asked the same question in 2012. 

In the wider population, just 5% of Brits overall said they were giving something up for Lent this year, down from 12% in 2012. 

Of those giving something up, half said it was chocolate and sweets. 

Nearly one in five (17%) said they would abstain from alcohol and going to the pub, and one in 10 said they were going without fatty foods. 

Eight per cent are abstaining from sex and the same proportion said they were giving up eating out and takeaways.  

News
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight

The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has come under pressure over her handling of past safeguarding cases. 

Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial

A leading figure among conservative evangelical Anglicans will not stand trial for alleged abuse, it has emerged.

Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings

The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals. 

Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".