Poverty-stricken pensioners are being forced to stay in bed to keep out of the cold because they cannot afford to pay energy bills, an elderly people’s campaign group has said.

Research published in a guide by the Bradford Older People’s Partnership – an umbrella group for the district’s senior citizens – says one in four elderly people have stayed in bed just to keep warm this year compared with one in seven last year.

The research is part of the guide called Help This Winter, which gives facts and advice to older people and their carers on how to keep warm during the current cold snap.

Jean Walker, chairman of Bradford Older People’s Alliance, said: “It is terrible to stay in bed to keep warm because it causes congestion on your chest and can lead to other problems.

“You are better getting up and putting on warm things – extra layers of jumpers or even a woolly hat. At least then you are up and walking about.

“It is difficult when you are on your own to have the energy to do something but you have to, otherwise you are in trouble.”

Figures published by the alliance show 2,200 people aged 65 and over in Yorkshire are likely to die from the effects of cold-related illness this winter.

Even before the current rise in fuel prices 1.5 million pensioner households nationally were in fuel poverty – spending more than ten per cent of their income on fuel.

Age Concern in Bradford, in the current issue of its Voice magazine, says: “Many people will be forced to choose to heat or eat this winter due to fuel poverty. The rough and ready definition of fuel poverty is of someone who spends more than ten per cent of their income on keeping themselves warm. However, fuel poverty is not just about low incomes.

“It is part of a complex picture, linked to multiple deprivation, unaffordable fuel prices and poor housing stock characterised by inadequate insulation and inefficient heating systems.”

Pensioner Jean Allen, 76, of Pullan Avenue, Eccleshill, Bradford, said: “I am managing to pay my bills with a little bit of juggling but there will be people in a far worse position than me.”

The guide urges the neighbours of elderly people to be alert as sub-zero temperatures continue in the New Year.

They should check older people are getting all the benefits they are entitled to, find out if their homes are properly insulated and not economise on heating their home.

Mrs Walker added: “Neighbours need to check that people are aware of the problems the cold can cause.

“Older people have to be cautious about who comes to the door but maybe they could give their neighbours their phone number just to give them a call. It does make a difference.”

For a copy of the guide, visit voiceinbradford.org e-mail: marc.meneaud @telegraphandargus.co.uk