More than 2,000 elderly people in the Midlands could die this winter because of cold weather-related illnesses, a charity warned today.

Age Concern has estimated at least 18 pensioners in the region will die from illnesses such as pneumonia every day during the winter months from December to March.

Rising costs of heating, poor housing standards, low income and time spent outside in the cold, have all left people in the West Midlands vulnerable, with pensioners living alone being the most at risk.

Age Concern said in the last five years thousands of people in the region over the age of 65 had died because of the harsh weather and, with the Met Office expecting a harsh winter this year, the figure was expected to rise.

Director general of the charity, Gordon Lishman, said: "It is a national scandal that so many older people over 65 are put at risk every winter.

"Almost 2.4 million older people live in homes that are cold enough to cause illness and this is just unacceptable.

"More needs to be done for older people during the winter months so that they can heat their homes adequately without worrying about the cost.

"It is essential that older people keep warm during the winter. We would urge that older people make sure that their home is heated. Dressing well and keeping active is another way to keep warm and eating good meals will provide energy throughout the day."

The country has the highest rate of winter deaths in Europe, with older British people being at a higher risk than elderly people living in colder countries such as Finland and Austria.

The charity is calling on the Government to increase the basic state pension to at least £109 a week, to give elderly people enough money to heat their homes.