DEATHS from heart disease and strokes have dropped in Worcester, according to a new health profile of the city prepared by the Government.

Around 90 people a year die of the two conditions in the Faithful City, compared to 140 a year back in 1996.

Deaths from cancer have also dropped from 140 a year in 1996 to 120 a year now.

Violent crime has been described as "relatively high" by the report, despite it falling from 2,200 report incidents a year in 2005 to 2,000 reports in 2006.

A spokesman for South Worcestershire PCT said: "Overall, our figures compare favourably with the rest of the West Midlands and the country.

"The great news is that deaths from cancer and heart disease continues to fall in line with the UK average."

The health profile 2007 also states income deprivation and child poverty are lower than the UK average, with only 10 per cent of residents living in low-income households.

Lifestyle factors are said to be "similar" to the country as a whole, with binge drinking close to the national average.

Smoking kills 130 people a year in Worcester, although hopes are high the new ban which comes into force next month will bring it down.

Life expectancy for women is 82 years, while for men it is 78 years, which is in line with the average for the UK.

The survey was produced by the Department of Health and offers a snapshot into the health of each town and city in the UK.

Wet Mercia Police did not wish to comment on the crime data.