Tackling an "appalling" difference in life expectancy between areas in Tendring will be the biggest challenge for health bosses over the next five years.

Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, chief executive of North East Essex Primary Care Trust (PCT), outlined the problem as one of his priorities for the Trust as he launched a health strategy for Tendring and Colchester at Clacton town hall.

The five-year strategy sets out nine commitments, which include increasing life-expectancy, improving the health and well-being of children and improving mental health services.

Dr Zollinger-Read said there is a strong relationship between deprivation and lower life expectancy.

He said people living in Clacton's Golf Green ward are four times more likely to suffer from heart disease or diabetes than those in Lexden, and people in the Pier ward are 50 times more likely to be admitted with a psychiatric illness than those in better wards.

He said there is a difference of 13.3 years in life expectancy between Alresford (83.4 years) and Pier ward (70.1 years).

Mr Zollinger-Read said he will address the issue by targeting resources in those areas most at need.