North Yorkshire is a healthier place to live than other parts of Yorkshire and Humberside, according to a new report.

But the report, by Professor Mark Baker, director of public health for the county, says that York, Harrogate, Ryedale, Selby and Scarborough all exceed the regional suicide rate, and the accident death rate is also up.

Deaths from heart disease among those under 65 are significantly lower in North Yorkshire than the national level, although Scarborough and Whitby rank the highest in the county.

While the number of deaths from heart disease have been falling in recent years in North Yorkshire, the rate of decline has halted, said Professor Baker.

On drugs, the report says latest figures show there are 1,172 people receiving treatment for drug abuse, 803 for alcohol use and all but seven are out of work.

Those arrested for using heroin and cocaine have been found to be spending more than £300 a week on drugs, said Professor Baker.

York has the worst figures for rough sleepers, with an average of 33 a night, said the report.

As a result, Government funding has been provided to agencies in the city to help tackle the problem.

Two key projects are being set up in Hambleton and Richmondshire to tackle the problem of teenage pregnancies. A pilot service for the supply of emergency contraception through community pharmacies is being launched and an outreach project is being set up by the Army Welfare Service at Catterick Garrison.

A development worker is also being appointed to the teenage pregnancy unit covering Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale. Latest figures show there have been 466 teenage mums in the county.

Professor Baker said in his report, which goes before the North Yorkshire Health Authority, that one study has revealed that people who own their homes and have cars have significantly better health than those renting property and without a car.