MORE than a quarter of the people living in Thanet will be above retirement age by 2031, the Government has warned.

The isle already has the highest percentage of over-65s in Kent, and official statistics predict a further rise.

The Department of Work and Pensions expects more than 28 per cent of the people on the isle will be over 65 by 2031, outstripping the predicted UK average of 22 per cent.

Experts have long warned that an ageing population puts strain on the local economy, as there are fewer people of working age and more people using the NHS and council services.

Pensions minister Steve Webb said last week that having such a high number of people in retirement will create problems for the pensions system.

He said: "We must harness the skills and experience of our older generations. We must also provide the right support.

"While we are doing all we can to improve the system, people approaching retirement should check what they can expect to get from the state pension, and when and how to build on it."

Others have pointed out advantages of having a higher number of pensioners living in the area. Martin Lawford, of the Thanet Volunteers Bureau, said: "We have a lot of retired people coming forward to help provide services that wouldn't otherwise be available.

"Nearly all the drivers from the volunteer transport service are retired, and help take disabled and elderly people to doctors' appointments and things. We also have lots of retired volunteers working in care homes."

The Government is advising anyone nearing retirement to get a free pension profile online at www.direct.gov.uk/betterfuture