HUNDREDS of pensioners are living on the breadline on Teesside because they are failing to claim benefit or are paying too much tax, says Age Concern.

The charity launches a campaign to help pensioners with their finances, during Age Concern Week which runs from September 27 to October 4.

Mark Tomlinson, Age Concern Teesside's benefit co-ordinator, said: "Millions of pensioners could boost their incomes by claiming benefits or by paying less tax.

"But the system is complicated for pensions experts nevermind older people without specialists knowledge, so it is hardly surprising that people are losing out.

"We hope to give people useful information to help them navigate the personal finance maze. It's particularly important that people wise up about their finances because the Government is about to launch a new benefit for half of all pensioners.''

Age Concern will send out a free guide and operate a free information line on 0800 00 99 66.