A campaign to ensure homeowners are not missing out on Council Tax benefit has been launched in east Durham.

Government figures suggest Council Tax benefit is under-claimed across the country. To address the situation locally Easington District Council and its partners, Welfare Rights, Age Concern, Easington Carers, the Department for Work and Pensions and Macmillan Cancer Information Service, are hoping to encourage people to find out what they may be eligible to claim.

The council's Blitz Bus, which provides a mobile drop-in unit and which has a waiting area and private interview facilities, will be visiting towns and villages over the coming months.

On board will be staff from the council's benefit office and welfare rights who will answer residents' questions and help them to find out what benefits they can claim.

David Shepherd, of Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Service, will also be on hand to offer advice on bereavement benefits and counselling.

To launch the initiative the Blitz Bus will be on Station Estate, in Murton, on Monday, from 10am until noon.

Councillor Joan Freak, the council's executive member for social inclusion said: "I hope residents will take the opportunity to find out what benefits they are entitled to by visiting the bus when it calls into their area.''