THE arrival of winter can mean hardship and illness for thousands of old people.

Neil Hill spoke to elderly people in Bolton, to hear about how they prepare for the bleak months ahead, and how they -- and the charities that help them -- think the Government could do more to help.

AS winter closes in, Bolton's elderly are being urged to take every precaution possible to beat the cold. Figures recently released show that last winter in the UK, more than 25,000 more elderly people died than in the summer.

It's staggering to think that more older people die in Britain during winter than anywhere else in Europe. Britain's two main campaign groups for the old -- Age Concern and Help the Aged -- have branded the figures totally unacceptable.

Gareth Evans, of Age Concern Bolton, agreed. He said: "The figures are far too high for a developed country. It's an indictment on what is supposed to be a civilised society."

Mr Evans would like to see Britain learning more from its European neighbours. "We need to look at what provisions other countries make, many of which offer a much better basic pension," he said.

The Department of Health has played down the figures. A spokeswoman said although last year's figures are slightly up on the previous year, they are significantly down on 1998-99 and 1999-2000. She said: "We think the lower figures may have something to do with the fact that everyone aged 65 or over now has the right to a free flu jab."

The Government also offers a £200 winter fuel payment to help the elderly heat their homes, although more than 700,000 eligible for support are still not claiming it.

Bolton poeple are not convinced the Government is doing enough to help.

Pensioner Pauline Atherton said: "The Government should do more. They don't give a hoot about the elderly because they're surplus to requirements."

Her views are echoed by George Grimshaw, aged 79, who lives in Atherton. He said: "Most pensioners don't have faith in the Government or local councils. We've paid our dues for years -- fought and suffered during the war, but we are the forgotten people."

George has to constantly watch his bills, especially his heating over winter. One week in four he has to pay his council tax and rent, which leaves him with very little of his pension to spend on food and other bills.

This, says Age Concern, is one of the real problems the old face in winter. One in five older people in the UK live in poverty and often try to save money by cutting back on essentials, like heating and clothing.

Their lack of money also means they tend to live in colder, less well-insulated homes, leaving them exposed to the dangers of flu, cold and damp, and more serious illnesses like hypothermia.

Evelyn Axon, aged 92, agreed that it was this balancing act that most concerns the old.

She said: "Some people are afraid to spend money. I've only had home help for three years and it costs a lot. The council give it to you -- and then they take it away."

Age Concern is once again running its "Fight the Freeze" campaign which aims to provide vital services and information to support older people through winter. They also provide winter services including benefits advice, luncheon and day club services, emergency heater loans, insulation grants and advice on repairs. The Bolton branch, based next to the bus station on Moor Lane, is also pursuing a number of initiatives which include free electrical blanket testing, which takes place on Wednesday by appointment only, advice on the benefits people are entitled to, and an appeal for neighbours to keep an eye on elderly residents.

They have also been offering the chance to get a free flu jab --something they insist people over 65 need every year -- which is available every Tuesday and Thursday during November.

Also, this Wednesday they will be having an Energy Services Day, when they will be offering advice on how people can save on bills and on how to "Keep Warm -- Keep Safe". This forms part of a national drive urging the elderly to look into changing their energy suppliers to take advantage of the benefits of competition and reduce their bills.

The centre in Bolton also gives the old folk opportunity of a cheap hot meal every day, as well as the chance for company. Frank France, aged 73, said: "The only pleasure I get is at Age Concern. If it wasn't here, we don't know what we'd do."

Pensioners can receive a free advice pack on staying warm by calling 0800 00 99 66.