Depression, anxiety and work-related stress is taking a huge toll on Lincolnshire's workforce, new figures show.

And with one in four people believed to suffer from a mental health problem during their lifetime, mental health campaigners say this can only be expected.

Recent statistics revealed by Lincolnshire Police show that the number of sick days soared by 18 per cent in 2008 while long-term sickness climbed by almost 15 per cent.

Stress, depression and anxiety made up almost 25 per cent of the sick days – perhaps a sign of the pressures facing the under-funded force.

Meanwhile latest figures from Lincolnshire County Council show that 18 per cent of sick leave can be attributed to mental health problems.

And with NHS Lincolnshire spending £1.5m a year on anti-depressants, many people are struggling.

For more on this, see Tuesday's Echo.