A record number of people from the UK are choosing to pack their bags and relocate abroad, new figures have revealed.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than 400,000 British residents left the country in order to live abroad.

Figures showed that this included 202,000 UK citizens - up from 196,000 in 2007.

This means that the number of British nationals opting to emigrate to foreign climes has now reached record levels.

Established holiday destinations in Europe were said to be especially popular with expatriates, in particular France and Spain.

This comes after currency specialist HiFX revealed that many British nationals want to leave their home because of ongoing problems in the domestic economy.

Figures showed that between January and June, the number of enquiries the group received from prospective migrants was 30% up on the first half of last year.