Rural bank closures are affecting older people the most, according to a Help the Aged, which was responding to a report by the Commission for Rural Communities.

The State of the Countryside report reveals that only one in eight banks and building societies and fewer than one in ten of the UK's cash machines are in the countryside.

Help the Aged said that such closures are particularly problematic for older people as they have mobility restrictions and tend not to use telephone or internet banking services.

David Sinclair, head of policy for the charity, said: "There has been a 40 per cent reduction in the number of banks since 1990 and the majority of closures have been in rural areas.

"Banks must consider shared banking facilities in branches or other alternative venues like pubs and local shops to ensure that older people don't become cut off."

Earlier this month, Help the Aged welcomed the government's focus on mid-life screening although it said more needs to be done to meet the needs of older people.