Health profiles compiled by the Association of Public Health Observatories have been released, showing how the health of people living in Preston is generally worse than the England average.

The profiles provide important health information and comparisons for each local council area in England, and the Guardian have published the full list on their website.

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Findings revealed that deprivation is higher than average in Preston, and 6,965 children live in poverty. Life expectancy for both men and women is lower than the England average, with men living in the most deprived areas living 12.8 years less and women 8.4 years less than those living in the least deprived areas.

Jane Cass, NHS Central Lancashire public health specialist, said: “These health profiles help us to shape our services and spend our money where it will do most good.

“For example, evidence shows that childhood obesity can be tackled by promoting breastfeeding, a healthy diet in childhood and more physical activity. These profiles help us to look at all these factors in a joined up way.

“It is important too that, when looking at these figures, we compare year-on-year rather than against the averages of other areas.

“Every area has different needs and issues and what is important is that the work we are doing is making a difference to the health and quality of life of people living in central Lancashire”.

The summaries are designed to help local councils and the NHS decide where to target action and resources in their area. Results can then be compared over time to see if initiatives employed as a result of the figures are working.

“These profiles show that we still have a long way to go and although improvements have been made across the regions there are still variations between the different boroughs.

“As we continue to make health services more accessible to people and encourage people to stay well in the long-term, we should achieve our goal of improving the health and wellbeing of the people of central Lancashire”, said Cass.