The UK population is expected to pass the 60 million mark next year, according to new figures.

It is believed the number of people living in the UK will increase gradually and the population is expected to become increasingly elderly.

The UK's population is set to rise from an estimated 59.6 million in 2003, to more than 60 million in 2005, reaching 65.7 million by 2031.

Longer-term projections by the Government Actuary, suggest the population will peak around 2050 at nearly 67 million and then gradually start to fall.