You are less likely to die from an preventable illness in Redbridge than anywhere else in east London.

According to figures from new national body Public Health England (PHE), the borough has one of the lowest rates of premature deaths in the country.

In all, 1,772 people died early in Redbridge between 2009 and 2011. For every 100,000 residents, 122 will die from a “preventable” cause.

But in neighbouring Barking and Dagenham, the figure is 183 and 163 in Newham.

Both boroughs were ranked among the worst in the country and in all east London boroughs premature death rates were worse than Redbridge.

Deaths are considered preventable if they are potentially avoidable by public health interventions.

The most common illnesses are cancer, heart disease, strokes, liver disease and lung disease.

Causes include smoking, alcohol, poor diet, obesity, air pollution and high blood pressure.

Figures for treatment of cancer and respiratory diseases were among the best in the country and the only area worse than average was deaths after emergency readmission to hospital within a month of being discharged.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, regional director for PHE London, said councils can use the research to form new public health policies after the government transferred responsibility in April.

She added: “A person’s likelihood of dying early varies widely between boroughs due to differences in risk factors such as being overweight, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, and that these are closely linked to economic deprivation.

“We can all do things that contribute to better health for ourselves.”

Redbridge Council is now in charge of public health in the borough after taking control from the NHS in April as part of a government-ordered shake-up.