Bradford is the third cheapest place to retire in the UK, according to a new survey.

It was narrowly beaten by Cardiff, which is the cheapest city, followed by Hull, which came a close second.

But Yorkshire is also the cheapest county to retire in, with three of its cities in the top five. Sheffield is the fourth cheapest city, followed by Leeds in fifth place.

The research, carried out by retirement income specialists, MGM Advantage, reveals that London is the most expensive city in the UK to retire in with an annual income of nearly £35,000 required, compared to a national average of almost £26,000.

But the results of the survey were greeted with scepticism by some pensioners in Bradford.

Jean Walker, of Bradford District Senior Power, an organisation that fights for the rights of older people said: “I can’t believe that Bradford is one of the cheapest places to retire. That is a surprise.

“I will be 78 next month and I have just renewed my car insurance. It went up by 40 per cent. The insurance company said this was because I live in Bradford. I can’t believe they are allowed to use that as an excuse. Bradford is really trying.

“I was only in the supermarket this morning. Staple foods, such as bread and milk, are always going up in price. I don’t believe that Bradford is cheaper, I think it is a myth.

“There is a lack of shops in Bradford, especially in the retail sector, so it is hard to actually spend money, unlike places like Leeds and Bury. Because of the lack of competition I think the prices on some things are actually higher “Heating costs are just as expensive anywhere you live. That is a huge concern for older people with the winter months coming.”

And Peter Raistrick, of Neighbourly Care in Bradford, said: “Who wants to retire in Bradford? The city centre, look at it. There’s a giant hole where it used to be. They are even stopping the free access bus so we can’t even get around.”

Neighbourly Care provides help and support to social activities for the elderly in the Bradford area.

Mr Raistrick, 86, said: “The old Odeon building would have made a lovely cultural centre, but now they are tearing it down.

“The only reason Bradford is cheap to retire in is because you can’t spend your money here because there are no facilities to spend it on.

WHAT YOU THINK

“I had never really thought about it before, but we went to Norwich for a couple of days, and we went to Liverpool recently. We found them to be very expensive compared to Bradford.” Tony McMahon, 84, of Low Moor, retired.

Bradford used to be brilliant, it used to have huge department stores. There are no shops here any more, they are all gone. There is nowhere now to spend your money on, just pound shops.” Mary Barraclough, 84, of Thornbury, retired.

“Well that’s a surprise. I thought it would be the same everywhere. Why should it be cheaper here than anywhere else? Although I’ve lived here all my life so I have nothing to compare it to.” Geoffrey Pearson, 66, of Tyersal, retired.

“I don’t know really. I can’t imagine it’s different here than anywhere else. You still have to pay for the same things. I haven’t noticed a difference.” June Whitaker, 62, of Wyke, retired.

“I wouldn’t have thought so. I’ve worked in Morrisons for 19 years and all I’ve seen are prices shoot up and up and up!” Regina Blasinski, 59, of Queensbury.

“I would have thought so. I’ve just finished being a student and have found it to be the cheapest place to study and to live.” Mohammed Ilyaz, 26, of banking group Halifax.

“It’s probably true. There is nothing to spend it on in Bradford, you have to go to Leeds. The Council has seriously let us down.” Maureen McMahon, 70, of Low Moor, retired.