The gap between the life expectancy of the rich and the poor in England is widening despite efforts to close it, a National Audit Office report says.

Life expectancy is 77.9 years for men and 82 years for women but in poor areas it falls to 75.8 and 80.4 years.

The NAO says this means that from 1995-97 to 2006-08 the life expectancy gap grew by 7% for men and 14% for women.

It is calling for more investment to help GPs tackle problems like smoking and poor diet in poor communities.

The NAO says the figures mean a Labour government target to reduce the difference in life expectancy by 10% by 2010 is unlikely to be met.