The NHS in England is spending more than £440m each year on painkillers according to new research.

Judy Aldred, managing director of S Sentif, who conducted the research, explains that there is a large North/South divide in painkiller consumption.

She says that social deprivation could be a factor explaining the large number of painkillers taken in the North of the country, however the low figures in London are difficult to explain.

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.