The number of “supercentenarians” – people aged over 110 – will soar in coming years, according to official forecasts.

England and Wales will be home to around 100 people in the age group by 2034, a 14-fold increase, it was claimed.

The Office for National Statistics put the rise down to projected improvements in life expectancy combined with a dramatic “baby boom” after the First World War.

The rise comes despite concerns that the benefits system and health care is already struggling to cope with a rapidly aging population.

Last year, ministers warned that the pressure of an older population posed as big a threat to the country as climate change.