Men’s life expectancy in West Dunbartonshire has improved from 70.8 years in 2001-03, to 74.7 two years ago.

A report by the council’s chief social worker, delivered at the full council meeting last Wednesday, also revealed women’s life expectancy has improved to 78.8 years.

Both are below the Scottish average by about three years.

Smoking prevalence remains the highest in Scotland at 25.5 per cent and 40 per cent of over 60s don’t take part in any physical activity.

Alcohol liver disease is increasing but alcohol-related death rates are slowly decreasing.