WOMEN in East Lancashire have one of the worst life expectancy rates in the country, new statistics have revealed.

They can expect on average to live some four years less than counterparts in other areas of the country -- and are likely to have the fourth shortest lives of female residents in any health authority area in the country.

East Lancashire as a whole has been listed as being home to women with an average life of 77.8 years -- more than four years shorter than women with the longest lifespans.

In London they are expected to live, on average, until 82.4 years.

In the Blackburn with Darwen local authority areas, that figure drops to 77 years for women, in Burnley it is 77.5 years, in Hyndburn 77.6 years and Pendle 77.9.

In more affluent areas like Rossendale and Ribble Valley the figure is 77.8 years and 80.1 years respectively, while Chorley recorded 79.6 years.

Life expectancy figures for men were not among the worst 10 in the country, but were, on average, five years less than men living in London.

The figures from the Department of Health are now being used by local councils to improve services and tackle deprivation.