Wharfedale residents enjoy more years of good health than the average for England, according to new government figures.

The statistics show that men living in the area covered by NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group can expect 65.4 years of healthy life, compared with an England average of 63.5.

Women in the area can expect 66.9 years of healthy life, compared to the national average of 64.8.

Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins said: “Everyone has the right to a long and healthy life.

“While I note that life expectancy is higher than the national average in Keighley and Ilkley, it’s not acceptable for there to be such discrepancies across the country.

“More needs to be done to understand the underlying causes of these and to put solutions in place.”

NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG chairman Dr Colin Renwick said: “The figures are great news for those living in our area but we must not become complacent.

“We have a real opportunity to work with our health and social-care partners to drive change in how local NHS services are delivered.

“By actively listening and engaging with our patients we can shape the very best health services to meet the needs of our local population.”