A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage thousands of east Durham pensioners to take up a new benefit.

The district, which has some of the country's greatest deprivation, has been chosen as the starting place for a drive that could be extended to other parts of the county.

County Durham Partners Against Poverty (CDPAP) wants to raise awareness of the Government's new pension Credit.

The benefit was introduced last month and people who received Income Support and the Minimum Income Guarantee have been automatically switched to it.

But the partnership fears many pensioners may not have applied for it, even though they are entitled to receive it.

Single people aged 65 and over with a weekly income of less than £139.10, or couples receiving less than £203.80 are eligible for the credit.

Chris Graham, a principal welfare rights officer with Durham County Council, said: "It is a new benefit aimed at people over 65 who have a small works pension or relatively small savings. The Government is trying to reward people who have tried to make provision for themselves.''

Mr Graham said thousands of pensioners were eligible but some could be put off because it was means tested.

The partnership, which also includes Easington Council, Age Concern and the Pension Service, will be leafleting homes throughout the district.

It will hold surgeries throughout the district to help pensioners to get advice. The phone line for Pensions Credit applications is 0800 99 1234.