The latest life expectancy figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that men living in Preston can expect to live an average age of 75, while women can expect to reach 79.9.

This means people living in Preston can expect to have an average two years shaved off their life expectancy compared to the national average of 77.3 for men and 81.5 for women.

It also reveals that the life expectancy of the people of Preston has not improved. Figures for 2004 to 2006 showed men in the city had a life expectancy of 75.1 and women 79.5.

Ironically, 2007 estimates for the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook shows that many poorer countries – including Cuba which has one of the most admired health services in the world – have similar or higher life expectancies than Preston.

In Cuba, the average monthly wage is equivalent to around £10 but the estimated life expectancy for 2007 is 74.85 for men and 79.43 for women.

Health chiefs in Lancashire admit there are huge variations in life expectancy and say plans are in place to tackle the issue.

Dr Shelagh Garnett, Central Lancashire's deputy director of public health, said: "Like other parts of the country, people across central Lancashire experience significant and unacceptable health inequalities, with big differences in the life expectancy of people living just a few miles apart.

"Health inequalities are the result of number of complex and interconnected issues.These include social, environmental and economic factors."

The three main goals now are to improve the length and quality of life, expand services and enable people to take greater responsibility for their own health.

>> Shocking death toll of boys in Preston



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