A CAMPAIGN has been organised to encourage pensioners living in Teesdale to apply for a new pension credit.

The campaign has been launched by County Durham Partners Against Poverty as part of Age Concern Week.

Over the coming weeks teams will visit Teesdale villages to reach pensioners who have not made a claim for pension credit and will help assess their entitlement.

Councillor John Davis, Durham County Council's cabinet member for community development, said: "This campaign is aimed at all of the people in the region who still have not claimed the pension credit to which they may be entitled."

Estimates suggest a quarter of pensioners in receipt of housing and council tax benefit in Teesdale have yet to make an application for pension credit.

Councillor David Armstrong, Teesdale District Council's lead member for finance, said: "We want to respond to the needs of our residents and ensure that everyone receives their full entitlement to pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit by improved partnership working and personal contact."

To apply call 0800 991234, or textphone 0800 1690133.