ACTS of abuse on the elderly do not get the prominence they deserve, says the head of Bolton Age Concern.

Chief officer Gareth Evans said vulnerable OAPs were often given less sympathy than younger victims - and abuse of them generated less interest.

Mr Evans was speaking as the Help the Aged organisation reported that 500,000 elderly people were regularly beaten, insulted or abused.

Mr Evans said: "I do know of incidents locally as well as nationally. Unfortunately, it doesnt get the prominence it should compared to the abuse of younger people. And it doesnt generate the same level of interest and sympathy."

Mr Evans said there were a variety of ways in which elderly people were abused and were often targeted by family for their money.

He said: "Often we think of abuse being physical but it is sometimes financially motivated against the elderly.

"Some pensioners have significant sums of money, but they dont have to be wealthy.

"Often abuse happens because of the pressure carers feel that they are under.

"Abuse of the elderly is often referred to as hidden abuse because it just isnt high profile.

"It is a serious problem and needs to be addressed."

Help the Aged is to lobby the Government for more action to be taken against those abusing and bullying the elderly.

A survey by the charity found there was little public recognition of the problem.

A spokesman for Help the Aged said: "We are committed to stopping this abuse.

"We aim to get a 25,000 signature petition so we have a strong case for demanding government action."