Britain's pensioners are less at risk of poverty than they were in 2005, but remain among the poorest in Europe, according to government figures.

A new report on household income and living conditions revealed that nearly one-fifth of UK residents (10.7 million people) were considered to be "at risk" of poverty in 2010. Alarmingly, two million over 65s were included in this figure.

According to the Office for National Statistics, British adults in retirement were significantly more at risk of lower living conditions than the average European pensioner.

Speaking about the findings to the Independent, Michelle Mitchell of charity Age UK said: "The government must continue to work proactively on ways of getting money to older people in desperate need.

"Independent information and advice and face-to-face communication are key to improving the take-up of benefits."

The government's report revealed that women in both the UK and most of Europe are more likely to be at risk of poverty than their male counterparts.