A DURHAM County Council campaign has helped pensioners win thousands of pounds in benefits.

The social services department's welfare rights team made income support claims for 331 individuals and couples last year, resulting in payments totalling £113,968.40 being made.

Last April, the council issued a leaflet alerting people that they could be missing out on extra money - the third year in succession that the authority has carried out the "take-up'' campaign.

The money raised last year is more than double the £50,592 generated in 1999, and plans are being made to repeat the campaign in early April, during the first week of the new tax year.

The campaign was part of the council's overall aim of "building a strong and healthy community".

The council's social services director, Peter Kemp, said: "The bottom line is that some people aged over 60 and living in County Durham are missing out on extra cash every week. The work we have done so far has made a real difference to some of our residents, and I am sure that there are many others who are yet to benefit.

"My advice to anyone who is not sure whether they qualify or not is "go ahead and apply, you have nothing to lose".

"Even people who have claimed before and were turned down may qualify for help now, so it is worth claiming again.''

Anyone wanting a benefit check or further advice should contact the council's welfare rights team for Durham and Chester-le-Street on 0191-383 6081; Easington on 0191-518 6000; Derwentside on (01207) 291536; Sedgefield on (01388) 424200; or Wear Valley/Teesdale on (01388) 744430.

The team can offer help and advice on all benefit queries and appeals.

Last year, it represented clients at almost 1,000 tribunal hearings.