Elderly people in York have branded the Government's offers on pensions as "diabolical".

But other pensioners showed the splits in society over the issue as they backed Prime Minister Tony Blair and his party to the hilt.

The Evening Press spoke to people stopping at York's St Sampson's Social Centre for the Over-60s, following outrage at the Government's proposals to lift state pensions by just 75 pence a week.

Wilfred Andrews, 76, who lives in the city centre area, said that state pension increases should be more in line with the rise in average earnings.

He said: "It's diabolical. We have still got to live, it is not enough to cover costs.

"If I did not get income support, because I broke both my arms, I could not manage."

Mr Andrews added: "You are considered over the hill now if you are over 60. I'm not condemning him (Tony Blair), but it should be a lot more."

Blanche Fawcett, of Heworth, said the 75p increase was "ridiculous" and "absurd", particularly at a time when earnings and prices were rapidly increasing.

But she said: "I'm lucky in that I can manage. I just wish Tony Blair would make up his mind, but, of course, he won't until the election."

However, Arthur and Mavis Holmes, of Clifton, were happy to lend their support to the Government's strategy, preferring to round on "failures" such as the Millennium Dome.

Arthur said: "Somebody has got to make a sacrifice. I am happy to do that as long as people who need the money are getting it."

Mary Hall, also of Clifton, agreed: "I think he (Tony Blair) is honest. He admits his mistakes. We get free television licences and money for fuel.

"I just think that Lottery money should go to the National Health Service, instead of the Dome."