A BOLTON Tory hopeful has slammed the Government claiming they have failed the nation's pensioners since coming to power.

Michael Winstanley, Conservative Candidate for Bolton North-east hit out at the recent pension rise of 75p and was reacting to reports that 100,000 pensioners have fallen below the poverty line since Labour came to power.

"The Labour Party promised pensioners in Bolton the earth before the General Election," said Mr Winstanley. "However like many other issues the Government is all talk and no delivery.

"This year, as everyone knows, pensioners in Bolton only received an increase of 75p per week. With increases like this, it is no wonder that 100,000 pensioners have fallen below the poverty line."

Mr Winstanley added that under a Conservative Government pensioners would receive an extra £10 a week.