Older people should be extra vigilant during the current spate of extreme weather that is affecting many parts of the country, according to Age Concern.

Gordon Lishman, director general of the elderly people's charity, explained in recent days that the icy temperatures and blustery winds mean that senior citizens should make sure they keep themselves warm.

He stated that this could be achieved by keeping as active as possible and dressing and eating well.

"Falls are all too common in this sort of weather and older bones tend to be more fragile and prone to nasty breaks," he added.

Concluding, he reminded older people that an extra cold weather payment will be made to them if sub-zero temperatures persist for a week.

The Pension Service explains that the winter fuel payment is an annual imbursement of at least £100 to those aged 60 and over to help them keep warm during the colder months of the year.