Dearne Valley's short life expectancy exposed by council

Men in Dearne area communities have a lower life expectancy than the Barnsley average - which itself is below the national figure.

Those in the Dearne North area of Barnsley Council can expect to live 75.5 years, while those in neighbouring Dearne South live on average to 75.9.

Meanwhile, the Barnsley average is 77.7, while the England-wide figure is 79.5.

The statistics are in a report which reveals the extent of deprivation - and its effects - in the Dearne Valley area covered by Barnsley Council.

The percentages of people deemed ‘not in good health’ is 27.4 per cent and 25.3 per cent respectively, against a national average of 17.9 per cent.

Numbers of residents with disabilities are also significantly higher.

Children living in poverty across both areas is around double the national average and numbers with no qualifications are also higher than average.

The figures were put together for Dearne Area Council, made up councillors from each area, which works to address local needs.