TENS of thousands of pensioners have missed out on payments after a delay at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Across the country, 140,000 people have been affected, many in the North-East.

A pensioner from Darlington, who did not want to be named, said he was very angry when he went to collect his pension yesterday and was told by his post office there had been a mistake. Some people who claim incapacity benefit were also affected.

The DWP had planned advance payments on December 31 to pensioners and benefit recipients whose money was due on Monday, but many were not processed in time.

A DWP spokesman said the delay had affected some people who transferred funds by direct debit into bank or post office accounts.

He said: "The DWP is investigating the delay as a matter of urgency and sincerely apologises for the inconvenience."

He said all payments had now been issued and would be in accounts from today.