PENSIONERS can find out about their benefits entitlement at a series of roadshows this week.

Age Concern estimates that up to 40,000 people in the North-East could be missing out because they do not realise they are eligible for extra payments.

Emma Howitt, of Age Concern County Durham, said: "Any older person who is not sure what they can claim, or who hasn't checked before, should come to one of our sessions."

There will be sessions today, from 9.30am to 1pm, at Durham Age Concern, Shildon Library and Consett Library.

Newton Aycliffe Pioneering Care Centre and Stanley Louisa Centre will host sessions from 1.30pm to 4pm.

Tomorrow, Chester-le-Street Parish Centre and Sedgefield Library will be open from 9.30am to noon, while Bishop Auckland Library will have a session from 10am to 12.30pm.

Annfield Plain, Ferryhill and Spennymoor libraries will host surgeries from 1.30pm to 4pm.