An Oxfordshire study could lead to routine health screening for men in their 60s -- saving hundreds of lives a year.

Researchers in Oxford said they have found compelling evidence that screening could reduce by half the number of deaths from a certain heart conditions.

They are calling on the Government to introduce a national screening programme for men of retirement age. Rupture of an aortic aneurysm is a major cause of death among men over 65.

Jack Collin, a vascular surgeon at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, said: "The scans would cost £20 each time and a financial analysis suggests a life would be saved for every £26,000 spent."