SIMON WILLANS was astounded to receive a benefit cheque for only 4p, along with a letter advising him that he can backdate his claim to February 28, 1852.

The letter accompanying the giro explained that he is entitled to receive 4p a week, dating back 151 years.

Mr Willans, of Westbrook, Darlington, worked out that such a claim would net him just under £315.

The 32-year-old is in receipt of Incapacity Benefit after undergoing a major back operation last year.

But he decided to claim Income Support after his dentist told him he thought he may be eligible to help pay for treatment.

He said: "I have paid my stamp all my life and I was just shocked and amazed to receive this cheque.

"It must have cost them more to put the ink on the paper than to send this out."

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions confirmed that Mr Willans was only entitled to 4p because of previous earnings and savings, but apologised for the clerical errors in the letter he received.

He said: "It is not surprising that Mr Willans was puzzled, and we are sorry that we sent him such a confusing letter.

"The reference to 1852 was, of course, a silly mistake and we have now sorted out the true situation with him.

"The fact is that, under the rules, he was entitled to 4p, and we are obliged to pay that to him, just as we would be if it were a larger sum of money."