Almost a third of pensioners vow to carry on working past retirement to supplement their pensions, according to new research.

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the state pension, which is now a source of income for nearly 70,000 elderly residents in Bradford.

A full pension pays a weekly income of £90.70 and it is set to rise by five per cent to £95.25 in April. In 1909, pensions were worth five shillings a week.

A survey of 1,029 people by analysts Defaqto shows nearly 60 per cent of people would delay retiring and work longer if they were disappointed with their pension, or would retire but continue working part-time.

Elderly people’s groups in Bradford say pensioners are struggling to get by on the current rate.

Audrey Raistrick, of Neighbourhood Care Bradford, which campaigns for pensioners’ rights, said pensions were disproportionate to the cost of living.

She said: “I started work in the 1940s and I worked until I was 65.

“I was hoping that when I retired I would be able to enjoy myself but every year is a greater struggle because prices are rising. It makes it more difficult just to exist.”

The average person thinks they need £832 a month, excluding mortgage or rent, in order to have a comfortable retirement, nearly double the £439 a single pensioner currently receives, according to research by life insurer Friends Provident.

Jean Walker of Bradford and District Senior Power, who attended a pension convention in Blackpool last year, said times were tough for pensioners.

“If you take what pensioners got in 1909 compared to the cost of living and look at what we get today, it’s well below what we should be getting,” she said.

“Pensioners try to manage by being very careful. For some people it’s a serious choice of do I heat or eat? On more than one occasion it’s been reported to me of the same pensioners sat on the same chairs in Morrisons on different days because it’s warm and for the company.”

There are 69,000 people over the age of 65 living in Bradford and this is expected to rise to 83,400 by 2020.

The Government is paying more on pensions than ever before because people are living longer – around 12,000 people in the UK could turn 100 this year.

Rosie Winterton, minister for pensions and the ageing society, said there were concessions to boost pensioners income this winter.

She said: “As the state pension moves into its second century we are committed to ensuring that pensioners receive the help they need.

“Which is why, alongside the state pension and pension credit, this winter pensioners will receive additional support through their Winter Fuel Payment and an extra £60 bonus.”