Thousands of residents in Bury identify with an LGB+ sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or a sexuality other than straight), new Census figures have revealed for first time.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) introduced the voluntary questions in the 2021 Census for people aged 16 and over where only 5.16 per cent of people didn’t answer the question.

The data found 4,362 people in Bury identified as a sexual orientation other than heterosexual when the census was carried out in March 2021, 2.8 per cent of respondents.

Read more: Residents to have their say on new Bury Market plans

The most common LGB+ sexualities were gay or lesbian where 56 per cent of those who did not identify as straight said and bisexual where 34.9 per cent put.

The vast majority of residents said they were heterosexual (90.6 per cent).

A further 10,200 people in Bury did not answer the question.

Across England and Wales, around 1.5m people identified with an LGB+ sexual orientation in the Census, about 3.2 per cent of those aged 16 and over.

Overall, 1.5 per cent described themselves as gay or lesbian, 1.3 per cent described themselves as bisexual and 0.3 per cent selected “other sexual orientation”.

Read more: Dogs set to be allowed on Greater Manchester trams permanently after successful trial

ONS director Jen Woolford said the first census estimates were “crucial”, adding: “They will ensure decision-makers have the best information so they can better understand the extent and nature of disadvantage which people may be experiencing in terms of educational outcomes, health, employment and housing.”

The Census also asked people aged 16 and over about gender identity, with 737 Bury residents stating they did not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth.

Of them, 145 people were trans men and 165 were trans women and a further 61 said they were non-binary.

About 8,000 people did not answer the voluntary question.

Nationally, 262,000 people which make up 0.5 per cent of the population of 16 and overs said their gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth.

Read more: Wax and Beans to host gig with We The North in memory of friend

The LGBT Foundation said the data is a “huge first step in making LGBTQ+ people feel included” but added it will be years before the figures provide an accurate picture.

The charity said: “The historic and ongoing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities, particularly trans and non-binary people, will stop many from feeling safe to provide this information.

“Meanwhile, many LGBTQ+ people are living within households and environments where they are unable to be open about their gender identity, sexual orientation and trans identity."

If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Alicegerrard157 or email alice.gerrard@newsquest.co.uk.