PREMATURE death rates across Worcestershire have been revealed - with lung and heart disease areas of particular risk in the county.

New data has been published by health chiefs detailing how each local authority area performs based on the number of people who die under 75.

Worcestershire is ranked the 42nd best area from 150, with better-than-average results across the board - with 245 premature deaths per 100,000 people.

But 5,047 people died prematurely between 2009 and 2011, and the stats show lung and heart disease are more likely killers than cancer or liver problems.

The data has been produced by Public Health England on its Longer Lives website, which uses a traffic light system to rank each county - with green ones deemed the best and red the worst.

Worcestershire is green in every area apart from when being compared to similar local authority areas for deprivation.

In 15 comparable areas it ranked 10th, below average and underneath the likes of Shropshire, Solihull and Somerset.

Overall, Worcestershire was 35th out of 150 for cancer deaths and 37th for cancer, but 46th for heart disease or strokes and 47th for lung disease.

Councillor Roger Berry, who represents Gorse Hill, one of Worcester’s most deprived areas, said: “If you look at the county it’s quite a wealthy area, but we’ve got pockets of deprivation and it’s that contrast which makes life so difficult for some residents.

“I’m not surprised by anything in the figures, in my ward we know we’ve got a particular problem with smoking.

“It’s important we endeavour to get better.”

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "I would put a caveat on these figures as we know people are living longer, which is great, but with that comes a cost.

"It is good news the county is doing well on premature deaths but there's issues beyond that, with regards dealing with the elderly population."

Worcestershire County Council, which took over overall responsibility for public health in April, cautiously welcomed the findings.

Dr Richard Harling, director of adult services and health, said: "Overall the county compares favourably to the national average - however we can do more to reduce the risk of early death.

“The health and well being board has made obesity and alcohol two of its four priorities.

“Everyone has a role to play - including the council, the local NHS, the voluntary sector and individuals and communities themselves.”

Nationally, the data shows a significant north/south divide, with Manchester and Blackpool the worst areas of the country for premature deaths.

In Manchester there were 455 premature deaths per 100,000 people, while Wokingham, the country’s best performing area, had just 200.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has described the differences as “shocking”, saying “people’s lives are needlessly cut short”.