Figures on the average age adults can expect to suffer from serious disabilities have been outlined by the Office for National Statistics.

Half of Preston's 22 wards are in the bottom fifth of wards in the entire country, according to the findings.

The revelation is more evidence that the city is fast becoming the country's sick man after the Evening Post revealed in June figures showing Preston's shockingly high levels of cancer, smoking, violent crime, alcohol abuse and early death.

There are almost 20 YEARS difference between some wards within Preston on when adults can expect to be hit with long-term disabilities, defined by the research as "limiting long-term illnesses" such as blindness and deafness, loss of mobility and dementia.

Eleven wards fall into the bottom fifth of wards across England and Wales.

Thirteen wards fall below the England and Wales average of 61.4 years for men and 64 years for women.

Tim Mechan, public health intelligence manager for Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust, said: "From a public health point of view this is not unusual.

"This analysis is based on the last census and it is maybe that people in deprived communities have different perceptions of the level of their health.

"It is often seen that people in these communities maybe drink a bit more or smoke a bit more, whereas people in an affluent part of north Preston might think life is quite good and feel quite good."

Five of Wyre's 26 wards are in the bottom fifth, two of South Ribble's 26 wards fall into the same category, while four of 17 wards of Chorley are in the bottom five.

It is the first time these figures have been broken down into wards.