A manager of a leading charity for the elderly fears that thousands of pensioners over the age of 75 will risk prosecution by watching television without a TV license fee after a proposal from the BBC to introduce means tests to qualify for the free provision.

Rising numbers of elderly people in the UK are chronically lonely, according to Age UK figures.

Chadderton pensioners are catching the computer bug, after Age UK Oldham and Oldham Council united to provide them technology classes.

The lives, achievements and contribution to society that the elderly have made are being celebrated by Manchester and Salford as part of Older People’s Day.

It is currently Age UK’s National Falls Awareness Week and the charity is providing information which aims to help those at risk reduce the chance of taking a tumble