The 2001 official census threw up many interesting statistics, not least the amount of people around the country who consider being a Jedi Knight to be a religion!

But now a report has shown another interesting fact based on the census. Nottingham has the seventh highest gay population in the country.

I'm very surprised to hear we have such a high gay population in Nottingham.

Peter Thomas, a worker on the GAI project

The report was compiled by Dr Darren Smith of the University of Sussex. He worked out the most popular gay towns in England and Wales, and also the least popular. Brighton and Hove came out (no pun intended) on top, and Solihull in the West Midlands was among the least gay places.

But should we be surprised to see our own fair city on the list? Peter Thomas is a worker on the GAI project, which promotes sexual health among gays and lesbians in Nottingham: "I'm very surprised to hear we have such a high gay population in Nottingham, but it feels an honour to be part of it."

It's a good city for mixing.

Martin Carmichael, manager of well known gay bar @D2

It seems Nottingham's gay scene is thriving. There are now numerous gay bars in the city centre, along with the famous and well established NG1 nightclub. Nottingham also has the longest running gay night in the country - Revolution takes place on the first Monday of every month at the Palais.

Martin Carmichael is the manager of well known gay bar @D2: "There is a good city centre lifestyle in Nottingham. It's a good city for mixing: it's easy going and relaxed and the dance scene is very mixed."

Nottingham still lacks the range of health and support services needed to meet the wide-ranging needs of the local LGBT communities.

Biddy McMeel, Pride organiser

Nottingham Pride organise the largest gay pride festival in the area. This year's event is to be held at the Arboretum on 24th July, and the organisers are expecting 6000 - 8000 people.

Pride chair Biddy McMeel says: "Pride welcomes this survey as it reinforces Nottingham's image as a cosmopolitan and diverse city. However, Nottingham still lacks the range of health and support services needed to meet the wide-ranging needs of the local LGBT communities. We believe this issue needs addressing as a matter of urgency and will campaign for changes to be implemented in the near future."

With the GAI project in its tenth year, Peter Thomas hopes this survey will send the right message to young gays: "Hopefully these statistics will see people more comfortable accessing services, such as the GAI project, as being gay is becoming more and more accepted in Nottingham."