HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds in benefit has been claimed by Bidford pensioners, many of whom were unaware they were entitled to the money.

A scheme run by Stratford District Council with Warwickshire Welfare Rights and the county council, identified as hard to reach pensioners with the aim of improving their quality of life with extra cash.

Since the scheme started in 2000, over £1 million has been paid out to 2,000 pensioners in the district.

The district's council's portfolio holder for social inclusion, Councillor Hazel Wright said: "Every little helps and this is good news for all those pensioners whose lives have been made easier with this money."

Prior to the scheme being launched pensioners had to fill out forms entitling them to the money. In 2000, the Warwickshire Welfare Rights Advice service carried out one to one checks on pensioners in their own homes. The service identified pensioners who were entitled to the extra funding.

Cllr Wright added: "Many pensioners have told councillors they find the whole benefits system far too complex and are put off from applying. Our confidential check-up helps the applicant through the process and as we have seen it is very successful."

Pensioners who have not yet applied for the extra cash should write in to Warwickshire Welfare Rights Advice service, freepost CV21 04, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5BR.