British scientists have developed a new wonder "poly-pill," which, according to them, could prevent 80 per cent of heart attacks and strokes in the over-55s.

The team has claimed the miracle five-in-one pill could stop over 100,000 premature deaths each year.

They also said that one in three people could live an extra 20 years without a heart attack or stroke.

The researchers believe that the pills, which contain a cholesterol-busting statin, three medicines to lower blood pressure, and folic acid, could be available within five years.

Its developers, the London-based Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, say they hope to get the price down to 1 pound a day.

Scientists there have been working on the pill for more than five years, but the first samples became available only last week.

"We want to get it out there so people can use it," the Telegraph quoted Professor Nicholas Wald, the institute's director, as saying.

"Our mission is to make it available to everyone over 55 at an affordable price.

"The founders of our group would like this pill to be available to everyone for about 1 pound a day," he added.

Government heart disease chief Professor Roger Boyle has given the drug his support and wants it prescribed on the NHS.

However, it could take years to hold the necessary clinical trials and secure a licence.