LANCASHIRE County Council's Welfare Rights Service has helped older residents to claim nearly £1.1million of benefits they are entitled to receive in the last 12 months.

Now it is reminding others to make sure that they receive the payments which they are entitled to.

Many older people, particularly those over 75, fail to claim benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.

Cllr Peter Buckley, the authority's cabinet member for community services, said: "Our welfare rights service provides free and confidential advice.

"I would urge pensioners to get in touch and ask for a free and confidential benefits check, to find out what they are entitled to receive."