SHOCK figures have revealed air pollution is to blame for more than 100 deaths a year in Tendring.

A new report by Public Health England shows long-term exposure to man-made air pollution was responsible for 724 deaths across the county in 2010.

Tendring had the highest fatality rate in the county with 110 deaths, compared to 75 in Colchester and 71 in Braintree.

Air pollution experts have moved to allay fears, claiming air quality in Tendring is no worse than the rest of Essex.

Essex University environmental science professor Ian Colbeck said: “It’s mainly down to the age profile of the area as the elderly are more susceptible to any small changes in air quality.

“But the small size of the particles this report is talking about – less than 2.5 microns in diameter – are outside their remit."