AGE Concern is highlighting how older people across County Durham can boost their income by claiming the benefits that are rightfully theirs.

The charity says that older people are still the group most likely to miss out on benefits cash, either because they do not realise they are entitled or do not know how to claim.

Harriet Gibbon, chief officer at Age Concern County Durham, said: "It is shameful that so many older people are struggling to manage on a low income when the Government is sitting on a mountain of unclaimed benefits cash.

"In the past year, we have assisted more than 2,300 older people with applications for welfare benefits and secured over £1.6m in unclaimed benefits.

"The amount of extra money awarded to individuals ranged from £1 to £200 a week."

Age Concern has organised the following information events across the county as part of Your Rights Week: Monday, April 11, Leadgate Cricket Club, Open Arms Group 9.30am to 12.30pm; also Age Concern House, 7 Atherton Street, Durham City, 9.30am to noon; Tuesday, April 12, Barnard Castle Day Club, Methodist Chapel, Galgate, 11am to 1.30pm; Wednesday, April 13, Age Concern Sedgefield, 31 Rosewood Grange, Chilton, 9.30am to 12.30pm, also Age Concern House, Durham City, 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Thursday, April 14, Hawthorne Village Community Centre, 10am to 12.30pm; Friday, April 15, St Cuthbert's Parish Centre, Chester-le-Street, noon to 3pm.