Life expectancy in St Albans is one of the highest in the country at more than 89 years according to new research.

The findings from a report by financial advisors Willis Towers Watson show that St Albans has the fifth highest life expectancy in the country with people living to an average of 89.49 years.

The district is one of three areas in Herts to figure on the list with Hemel Hempstead in second place with 89.71 years and Watford in tenth with 89.28.

The figures are drawn from deaths recorded by defined benefit pension schemes and the company says that it underlines the links between earnings and lifestyle in pushing up life expectancy.

Stephen Caine of Willis Towers Watson said there were distinct differences in life expectancy in different areas of the country but in reality it was not the geography itself that was important but the economic and lifestyle factors that were indicative of residents in different areas of the country.

He added: “What this research highlights is that pensioners living in the outer ring surrounding London are the most likely to have had well-paid jobs and to have enjoyed a relatively comfortable and healthy working life which, alongside other factors, are strongly linked to longer lifespans.”