Disabled Robert Kidd bought his family house in Cochrane Park, Newcastle 40 years ago, but is not able to leave it to his family as he had hoped.

Under current rules he must pay for his own care because his home is worth about �150,000 and he has two pensions.

His daughter Jane Major said Mr Kidd felt "very let down" by the system.

Mrs Major, 53, said: "He didn't think he would ever find himself in this position. But the cost of care homes is really high and can't be covered by his pensions."

'Only asset'

Mr Kidd enjoyed a long career in the Post Office, eventually running its investigative branch, and served with the RAF during WWII.

Mrs Major, a registered childminder from Newcastle, added: "I feel he has been robbed. The house is his only asset and he doesn't have savings or anything else. I think it's unfair."

Mr Kidd, whose wife Enid died 10 years ago, went into hospital for physiotherapy after a fall in July, but then suffered a perforated bowel.

Mrs Major said: "I would urge everyone near pensionable age to think very carefully about putting their houses in a trust."

The Department of Health said anyone with more than �13,000 of assets must part-fund their own care and those with over �21,500 must pay the full amount.