THREE in four people in Mid Beds do not eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, according to health figures released this week. Despite this the area s residents lead a relatively healthy lifestyle and only one in six adults is

THREE in four people in Mid Beds do not eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, according to health figures released this week.

Despite this the area's residents lead a "relatively healthy" lifestyle and only one in six adults is obese.

Health profiles for the area have been produced by the Association of Public Health Observatories using figures gathered over the last few years to show the health of people in each local authority area in the country.

It is hoped they can be used by councils and the health service to highlight the health issues for each authority and to compare them with other areas.

The report shows that combined life expectancy figures for men and women in the area are improving quicker than the national average and if you were born and live in Potton and Wensley you can expect to live to 81.7 years old.

Life expectancy in other areas in Mid Beds are almost as high. If you are born and live in Arlesey, Biggleswade, Clifton and Meppershall, Langford and Henlow village, Sandy or Stotfold you can expect to live to about 78.5 years old.

Other figures for the area show that most of the council wards in Mid Bedfordshire are bracketed into the least deprived 25 per cent of the country. On top of this only one child in 13 lives in a low-income household.

Mid Bedfordshire Council was unable to comment.

The figures are available to view online at www.communityhealthprofiles.info Just click on the relevant initial letter of your local authority and click on the link to find out figures for your area.