I read on Apple Support page a few weeks ago that iPods bought in the UK are covered for 5 years. Is this true?

See http://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/ for details. There are time limits of up to six years in the England & Wales and five in Scotland regarding rights under UK consumer protection laws. You are not protected against wear and tear. Proving that a particular issue with your device is say a manufacturing defect that existed at the time of delivery might be a tall order.

tt2