SURGERIES promoting pension and benefits take-up for the over-60s are being held in east Durham.

Easington District Council is working with the Department for Work and Pensions to run surgeries for local residents.

The next surgeries will be held from 9.30am to noon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at Edenhill and Chapel Hill North Residents' Association, 26 Crawford Avenue, Peterlee.

Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided, as well as transport if required. Representatives from Age Concern will be available to answer questions.

Although still in their early stages, the surgeries are already proving effective, with interim results from a recent survey showing an annual increase in entitlement of more than £18,000 among six people.

Paul Routh, benefits operations manager, said: "If you're over 60, please come along to our surgeries for your financial health check-up."