Number of deaths linked to cold weather falls despite big freeze

There were an estimated 25,700 excess deaths in England and Wales in winter 2010/11 - 110 fewer than the winter before (GETTY IMAGES)

The number of deaths linked to cold weather fell slightly last winter despite the big freeze, provisional figures showed today.

There were an estimated 25,700 excess deaths in England and Wales in winter 2010/11 - 110 fewer than the winter before.

The Office for National Statistics report showed that while deaths for people aged over 75 fell, the figure for those younger increased.

Wales recorded a higher percentage of excess deaths in winter than England.

There were 20% more deaths in winter compared with the non-winter period in Wales - higher than the England average of 16%.

PA