OLDER residents in east Durham could soon be in line for a cash boost, thanks to an initiative being pioneered by Easington District Council.

The authority has joined forces with the pension Service to make sure pensioners in the district are claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

The two organisations have been working together to identify people over 60 who are failing to claim such benefits as Pension Credit, Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit.

From next month, the Pension Service will be contacting people to let them know how much money they may be missing out on and how they can claim.

Easington district is one of the first local authorities to work in partnership with the Pension Service on this type of scheme.

Councillor Joan Freak, executive member for social inclusion, said: There are still many people over 60 who are not getting the money they are entitled to.

"This new initiative will help a lot of them access that money and boost their weekly income.''