Five million Britons will be offered free gene tests on the NHS, helping to predict their risk of major diseases.Under the plans, individuals will be able to volunteer to receive personalised reports, setting out analysis based on their DNA.

Ministers said the anonymised data will be used to develop a new generation of personalised treatments.

Experts said this would allow individuals to make lifestyle changes, or ensuring they are targeted with the right medications,

But plans to give healthy people the option of paying to have their DNA analysed by the NHS are understood to have been scrapped.

Health officials said a £79m Government investment, backed by £160 million from charities and businesses, would be used to support research on early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease including dementia and cancer.

Health Minister Nicola Blackwood said: “Prioritising life-saving research and innovation means we can unlock solutions to deadly conditions like cancer, dementia and heart disease - saving lives and securing the health of the next generation.

“To achieve this we must harness the power of technology, so I am delighted with today's investment from businesses and charities - a huge boost for healthcare innovation which will help patients lead longer, happier lives.”