The ability of groups representing older people in Bradford to work together helped persuade the Council not to raise the threshold for eligibility for home care.

That was the message to members of Open House for Seniors at their annual meeting at St George's Hall.

Keith Nathan, chief officer of Age Concern Bradford and District, said that the Council had decided not to follow the 75 per cent of other authorities who had changed the eligibility level.

Instead it had put an additional £1.25 million into the budget for this year.

"It was an extraordinary victory against a national trend," said Mr Nathan. "It doesn't mean the issue has gone away but it does show how the combined strength and action of older people's groups can bring results."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Robin Owens, said that for the Council to have come to this decision "against a fairly awful financial background" made him feel proud.

Open House chairman Pam James reported that Open House for Seniors, the drop-in centre at St George's Hall, which is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, was going from strength to strength. Attendances during the last year - its fourth - were 8,400 - up from almost 8,000 the previous year.

She said the success was due to the convenience and comfort of the location, the friendly welcome visitors received from volunteers and the encouragement and financial support of the Council's Adult Services department.

But she warned: "Funding is changing, so it is imperative we are successful, run an efficient centre, manage our finances properly within an agreed budget and make everyone feel at home."