FORMER cricket umpire Dickie Bird yesterday urged pensioners to make sure they claim all the benefits they are entitled to.

Mr Bird, who umpired 66 test matches and 69 one-day internationals, visited Durham County Cricket Club's ground, at Chester-le-Street, to back the Government's Credit Where Credit's Due campaign.

The latest figures suggest that more than 450,000 people nationwide do not claim what they are entitled to, including the Pensioner Credit.

Mr Bird, who will be 70 on Saturday, said: "I think it is tremendous for the elderly.

"A lot of people do not realise there is quite a bit of money there. Then they get the forms and find they are difficult to fill in."

Labour Party regional organiser Mick Hills said: "It is important that elderly people know what benefits are available to them and that they are given the correct advice on how and where to claim them.

"The new system of Pensioner Credit has the advantage of pensioners having their forms filled in over a telephone by an expert.

"In most cases, the people need not have to fill another form in for five years."

To claim the Pensioner Credit, call 0800 991 234.