Dame Esther Rantzen has accused opera houses of "disregarding" over 65s by aiming its discounts at young people.

In recent months a number of major theatres, including the Royal Opera House, the Barbican, English National Opera and the National Theatre have introduced initiatives to encourage younger audiences with reduced, or even free tickets.

It has left older generations feeling they deserve the same treatment, with many struggling to afford tickets.

Dame Esther, the journalist and TV presenter, has now offered her support to the elderly in response to a letter by opera-loving octogenarian Charles Piper, who called on production houses to do more for older people.

Mr Piper, writing in the Opera Now magazine, said: “I have been a passionate supporter of opera but now I find myself increasingly unable to go to performances, not because I am infirm, but because I simply can’t afford it.”

The long-time devotee, who remembers seeing the debut of opera great Maria Callas in London in 1952, said he was “more than dismayed” by the scarce initiatives opera houses are making to retain the old.

“I don’t wish to deny the young the opportunity to go to the opera for free, but what about the poor old elderly?,” Mr Piper said.