PENSIONERS are being urged to ensure they claim money to which they are entitled.

A campaign, called Pick It Up, It's Yours, will be launched in County Durham next week.

The drive is being organised by County Durham Partners Against Poverty and aims to reach people in the Sedgefield area.

An information bus will start the campaign on Tuesday, when it will visit Sedgefield Library from 10am to 1pm, and Spennymoor Leisure Centre from 1.30pm to 4pm.

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

"Estimates suggest that 25 per cent of pensioners already in receipt of Housing and Council Tax Benefit living in the area have yet to make their application for Pension Credit."

Councillor Agnes Armstrong, Sedgefield Borough Council's cabinet member for supporting people, said: "The new Pension Credit rewards people who have savings or have a small works or private pension.

"We want to respond to the needs of our residents and ensure that everyone receives their full entitlement."

To make a claim by telephone, ring 0800 991234 or, for those with speech or hearing difficulties, by textpone on 0800 1690133.