PEOPLE living in Bolton suffer the misery of ill health for longer and can expect to die younger, according to new statistics.

Although life expectancy in Bolton is increasing, from 73 to 76, the average Bolton person will become ill at the age of 62 -- 10 years younger than many southern counterparts.

Bolton men and women will also die three years sooner than those in west Hertfordshire, who live to an average of 79, or two years before people many in towns in rural southern areas, who survive until an average age of 78.

Bolton South East MP Dr Brian Iddon claimed the figures are a result of poor lifestyles, but he has been assured that the Government will give the town more money to turn around health inequalities.

The figures have been produced by the London-based Office of National Statistics. For the first time it shows a new table, under the heading "health life expectancy".

This new list paints a picture of pain and misery for many people in Bolton over 62 years of age.

At a time when people are supposed to be retired and enjoying their leisure, the report shows that many are living with a health problem.

A spokesman for the Office of National Statistics said: "There have been many studies showing that life expectancy is increasing, but none show what kind of quality of life you can expect when you are older.

"These figures show that Bolton is among the towns that have a very low healthy life expectancy."

Dr Iddon said: "I have been campaigning for many years for more health money for Bolton and I will keep on campaigning.

"Bolton cannot be compared to towns in places like Devon. We have a history of heavy industry and many people pushing up Bolton's figures are ex- miners and those who had lifestyles such as eating chips and fried foods every day.

"We need to educate for people to adopt healthier lifestyles."