MP DAVID Chaytor has welcomed the latest figures showing how many people have taken up the Government's new pension Credit.

The Labour backbencher said the credit guarantees all OAPs a minimum income, and also rewards those who have saved for their retirement.

"Here in Bury, we've now got almost six and a half thousand pensioner households receiving Pension Credit, and they are receiving an average of over £43 every week," he said.

"And all pensioners getting Pension Credit will gain from inflation-busting increases announced last week of over £3 a week for single pensioners and £5 a week for couples."

To claim the credit, call free on 0800 9912234. Staff take details and send out a completed form to pensioners for them to check, sign and return.