RYEDALE residents have reacted to the unexpected news that they live in the third healthiest place in England.

Lack of pollution, beautiful surroundings, friendly communities and "strong Yorkshire breeding" have been put forward as reasons why the district was ranked third behind two exclusive London boroughs in the Department of Health league tables.

The tables, as reported in yesterday's Evening Press, were the result of a study on health inequalities in the UK and were based on the Standardised Mortality Rate, which assesses how many people would be expected to die in a district in a year.

Farmer David Cussons, 65, who has been a Ryedale District councillor for nine years, said: "People who come on holiday here do say what a marvellous area it is and they say we are lucky to live here.

"I think it is a very nice place, with the countryside and everything.

"And they say we are nice people, more friendly, and we get involved with things. The week soon goes, that's for sure.

"We do live in a wonderful area."

Fellow councillors Linda Cowling and Wilf Garbutt said low levels of pollution were one reason Ryedale people were so healthy.

Coun Cowling, 53, of Middleton, near Pickering, said: "What I find surprising is that two London boroughs were ahead of us.

"Perhaps we were there because it's a low density population and we have low pollution levels.

"It must be strong Yorkshire breeding."

Coun Garbutt, of Thornton-le-Dale, said his family had been there since 1856 and all had lived to a "ripe old age".

He said: "We are in a relatively clean area, no heavy industry and little pollution from cars and motorways. Other than that it's good fresh air and good living."

Health chiefs in Ryedale said work was ongoing to improve residents' health even further.

Derek Bartrop, head of patient and public involvement at Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust, said: "It's very welcoming to learn that Ryedale comes out as the top rural location.

"Life expectancy is clearly influenced by many things and the PCT is working with the local authorities and many other partners to improve life for all."

Updated: 10:32 Friday, July 04, 2003