UP to 40,000 pensioners in the North-East could be missing out on Government cash, campaigners have warned.

Age Concern Durham County and Durham County Social Services Welfare Rights Department have joined forces, to let pensioners know about changes to means-tested benefit as part of the annual Your Rights Week.

Emma Howitt, of Age Concern Durham County, said: "Here in the North-East we estimate that as many as 40,000 pensioners could be missing out on Income Support, based on what we know about the take-up nationally.

"They haven't claimed because they don't realise they are eligible, or are put off by the claim process."

She said many would become eligible for extra cash in April, but could miss out unless they checked their entitlement.

From Monday, April 9, Age Concern Durham County and the Welfare Rights Unit will be visiting locations across the county to check people's benefit entitlements and tell them how to claim.

Peter Kemp, the county's director of social services, said: "I would encourage people aged 60 and over, who live in County Durham, to visit the advice surgeries and meet our welfare rights officer, to ensure that they are getting their full benefits entitlement."

For details call 0191-386 3856.