THE town's men and women are living longer, new figures have revealed.
The latest data published in October 2013 shows the gap in life expectancy between Barnsley and England has reduced for the first time in years.
The gap in life expectancy had been widening from the national average for many years. However, recent figures show that for men the gap has reduced from 1.5 years in 2008-2010 to 1.4 years in 2008-2012.
It's also good news for women too as figures show there has also been a reduction, from 2 years in 2008-2010 to 1.5 years in 2010-2012.
The average life expectancy of Barnsley women has increased from 80.5 years in 2008-2010, to 81.5 years in 2010-2012.
It's also a similar trend for men in Barnsley with average life expectancy increasing from 77 years in 2008-2010 to 77.8 years in 2010-2012.
Improvement in overall health is one of the main reasons for closure in the gap.
The number of deaths in people under 75 years from cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, and cancer has been falling in Barnsley over a number of years following trends across England.
There has also been a reduction in the premature deaths due to cancer. The gap between Barnsley and the national average is now at all time low.
Cllr Chris Lamb, cabinet spokesperson, said: "It's great news that we're closing the gap between Barnsley and the national average.
"There has been a significant increase in the average life expectancy of baby girls and boys born in the borough over the last two decades.
"Today a baby boy born in Barnsley can now expect to live to an average age of 77.8 years, a significant increase of 5.5 years in the last 20 years.
"During the same period there has also been an increase for girls, with average life expectancy increasing 3.8 years to 81.5 years.
"We believe these improvements are partly down to people making healthier life choices, such as not smoking, as well as improvements in the treatment of chronic disease such as blood pressure and cardiovascular risk."
