A CAMPAIGN which warns 1,000 Middlesbrough pensioners that they could be missing out on benefits started yesterday.

Councillor Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for social care, posted the first letters to the pensioners, explaining that if they have claimed housing or council tax benefit, they could be entitled to income support as well.

The council's welfare rights unit has received funding which will enable staff to visit older people in their homes to give them confidential advice on claiming benefits.

Coun Thompson said: "There are a lot of reasons, including the complexity of the system, why older people don't claim benefits they're entitled to.

"I would encourage them to take up this offer of help.

"The welfare rights unit has an excellent record in helping people through the benefits maze and has already helped people claim millions of pounds in additional benefit."

Steve Nelson, the unit's senior welfare rights officer, added: "We calculate that there is at least £1m going unclaimed each year by these 1,000 residents in income support alone.

"After they have received this letter, we will be happy to help them make a claim."