LIFE expectancy for Wiltshire men has risen again as people live longer in the county compared to the rest of the country.

Last year the life expectancy for men in Wiltshire reached 80 years for the first time. This year it has increased to 80.4 and for women to 83.9, ahead of the national average of 79.2 years for men and 83 years for women.

The figures were released in the annual Public Health Report for 2013/14 which sets out what has been achieved to help people stay healthy in Wiltshire and reports on the health of the local population.

Last year 14,800 free NHS health checks were carried out on people aged between 40 and 74 assessing individual risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Wiltshire Stop Smoking Service supported more than 4,500 people and 2,451 to successfully quit smoking in 2013/14.

Teenage pregnancy rates continue to fall.

The health trainer programme which provides one-to-one support to help people change and improve their health has been rolled out across Wiltshire following a successful pilot scheme.

More than 80 volunteers completed an accredited training course to support breastfeeding mothers in postnatal wards and children’s centres. Last year Wiltshire’s breastfeeding rate at six to eight weeks increased to 49.3.

Cabinet member for public health Keith Humphries said: “Wiltshire is a healthy county in which to live. However we are not complacent as there are pockets of deprivation where support and advice can make a real difference. It’s been a busy 12 months and this will continue to be the case as we work with our communities and partners to help people live long, healthy and happy lives.”

Maggie Rae, corporate director for public health said the last year had brought challenges with a measles outbreak and flooding.

“Public health is helping people to stay healthy and protecting them from threats to their health,” she said. “We want everyone to be able to make healthier choices and to minimise the risk and impact of illness. The work we do supports people to take simple steps to make a difference for the better in their lives and we will continue to work hard to help all our residents have a good quality of life.”