It might not have been a white Christmas, but elderly people in Oxford are being warned to prepare for the cold wintry weather and fight the freeze.

Every year, thousands of people die as a result of the harsh weather conditions and last year it claimed a total of 25,000 lives in England and Wales.

And because Oxford is often perceived as a wealthy area, Age Concern Oxfordshire says much of the poverty is masked, leaving some elderly people extremely vulnerable.

Mary Evans, of Age Concern Oxfordshire, said: "Cold weather presents an enormous problem for elderly people in Oxford.

"Oxfordshire is seen as a wealthy county but that masks quite a lot of the poverty. Lots of elderly people are left stranded and isolated in rural areas. The important thing to remember is that there is help available."

Meteorologists have predicted Britain will experience one of its harshest winters this year with the cold weather continuing into the New Year and the mercury plunging below zero in January.

Jean Davies, chairman of Oxfordshire's Pensioners' Action Group, said it was clear the weather presented problems for everyone, particularly the older generations.

She said: "We have worked hard to make sure pensioners know there is help there for them and the Government offers all kinds of household fuel bonuses.

"Unfortunately we do still hear of vulnerable, isolated elderly people suffering problems related to wintry weather."

The amount of Winter Fuel Payment available to pensioners is dependent on age and the number of people living at the address but it can range from £100 to £300. A separate one-off payment of £100 is also available to those over 70.

For a free Age Concern England Winter Pack, call 0800 009966 or to contact Age Concern Oxfordshire, call 01235 849400.