Bolton's residents are in the midst of a crisis of mental health as almost a quarter of them live with low levels of happiness.

This is according to an annual report by the director of public health, Lynn Donkin, published by the authorities this week.

The annual report said 24 per cent of people live with low levels of happiness, while 22 per cent of people live with low levels of belief their life is worthwhile. Nationally, both of these figures are in single figures.

At least 20 residents died by suicide in each of the last 10 years.

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These concerning statistics about the borough's mental health are accompanied by concerning statistics about the borough's physical health, in particular in terms of life expectancy.

The average life expectancy for men is around 76.4 for men and 80.2 for women and is on a downward trend, especially due to the impact of the pandemic, both direct and indirect.

This average life expectancy varies by more than a decade between the least deprived areas and the most deprived areas, with the report suggesting a 20-minute trip on the number one bus from Bolton town centre to Dunscar war memorial sees it increase by more than 14 years.

The cost of living crisis is one of the biggest drivers of these developments, with those worst affected by it likely to be those worst affected by health inequalities too.

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Ms Donkin said: "It is worrying to see the trend in life expectancy and the differences in health between different groups of people and communities within the borough.

"Whilst this trend is seen elsewhere, our residents suffer poorer health on average and these inequalities in health are avoidable.

"The information and recommendations in the report show decision makers the health gaps and priorities that need to be addressed."

Linda Thomas, the council’s executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing, said: "Bolton faces tough times ahead in addressing the rising health inequalities and negative mental health effects which have been aggravated by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

"Improving the town’s health is a priority and needs to run through everything we do.

"This Public Health report creates a rallying cry to set a positive direction to achieve this for everyone in Bolton.

"I look forward to working closely with Public Health, council departments, NHS, other partner organisations, plus community champions and everyone in our local communities to help make it a happier and healthier place where we all can thrive."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.