People living on three Oxford estates will be given the chance to extend their life through healthier eating.

Oxford Healthy Living Partnership has appointed a 'healthy living tsar' to spread the word about fruit, veg and nutrients in Barton, Rose Hill and Blackbird Leys.

Christine McDermott will teach single parents, youth club members and former homeless people how to prepare healthier food for them- selves.

She will also give advice on budgeting and shopping for healthier food to people on low incomes - passing on recipes for such nutritious items as fruit smoothies and vegetable stews.

Ms McDermott said: "It is a very interesting job.

"Often people think it involves a lot of time, effort or expense to eat healthily, when actually it is none of those.

"You can eat pretty well without having to spend too much.

"Eating healthily gives you a better sense of well being - if you change your sugar intake, for example, you do feel better energised."

Ms McDermott will work three days a week alongside Oxford's Health Trainers, who give one-to-one advice to people about living a healthier lifestyle.

Official statistics show the average life expectancy in Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys is 75.5 years and 75.6 years respectively - significantly less than the UK average of 76.9 years for a man and 81.3 years for a woman.

Zoe Millington, project development co-ordinator for Oxford Healthy Living Partnership, said: "When we look at the statistics, these three areas have got the greatest need.

"The life expectancies on these estates are a lot less than they are in areas like North Oxford.

"But people can change that by changing their lifestyle.

"We want to reduce health in- equalities by delivering programmes relevant to people living on the estates.

"We do a lot of education around what foods are good to eat, how to eat a balanced diet, and things like taking up more exercise or giving up smoking.

"A big part of Christine's role is going to be helping community groups learn how to run their own healthy living projects.

"She will make a difference."

If you would like Ms McDermott to visit your community group call 01865 467327.