Geneva, Sep 22 (DPA) A large ozone hole over the Antarctic will persist for the next 20 years despite reduction in ozone-destroying gases, scientists from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said Friday.

The latest statistics show the hole is bigger this year than last year but falls short of the records recorded in 2000 and 2003.

"Even though chlorine and bromine are coming down slowly there is still more than enough to deplete all the ozone in the height range of 14 to 22 km altitude for years to come," said WMO spokesman Geir Braathen.

Chlorine and bromine, which are found in chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are blamed for ozone loss particularly in the polar regions.

Last week WMO warned ozone loss over the Arctic would also continue for many years until at least 2068 due to the delayed effects of gas escaping from old fridges and climate change.