THOUSANDS of pensioners in Darlington received free television licences yesterday as the first licences for the over-75s come into force.

The yellow and black licences are on their way to 5,364 households in the town and those waiting are advised by TV Licensing to "please be patient".

Jon Abrahams, head of Television Licensing Contact Centres, said: "We have a huge task ahead of us, so we appreciate our customers' cooperation. Anyone who has applied will receive their Over-75 licence and any refund they are entitled to as quickly as possible."

People aged 75 and over who have not yet applied for a licence can still qualify by giving their name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number when they call 0845 603 6999 or 0845 602 3334