A GWENT borough has one of the lowest life expectancies for both men and men in England and Wales.

Living in deprived Blaenau Gwent takes a big toll on inhabitants, according to a new survey published by the Office for National Statistics.

The borough is in the top ten for worst life span, ranked 366 out of 374 local authority areas. Men will live for an average of 72.7 years - the worst in Wales - while the average for women is 77.6, better only than Merthyr Tydfil.

John Hopkins, leader of Blaenau Gwent council, said he was not surprised at the figures considering the problems the area had with health and social deprivation.

"Even in the early years of life, if one gets a healthy start that helps the whole development of the person and where there is deprivation in children it has a knock-on effect for the whole of life."

He added that the Core Alliance - a partnership between the local authority, health authority and other agencies - was working towards addressing the problems and to promote healthy living.

"We must do something to tackle this but it's not a short term quick fix problem."

In contrast, Monmouthshire is tops for women in Wales while men rank in the top five.

Manchester had the lowest life expectancy at birth for both males and females.

North Dorset is the best place to live for men with a life expectancy of 79.6 years and West Somerset is best for women, living to 83.5 years.