A PENSIONER was left in the cold for three weeks after a blunder by British Gas.

Mary Mills, of Edna Road, Leigh, had to do without gas for more than eight hours a week despite plunging temperatures outside.

The problem arose after British Gas changed her broken Quantum meter at the end of February-- but left her without a pre-paid card to operate it.

Mrs Mills, 71, who lives with her 63-year-old husband Robert, telephoned the gas company every day to ask for the card.

But each time she was told one had been posted to her, even though she had never received it. Since the card needs to be taken to the Post Office to be topped up before any gas can be received, it meant Mrs Mills had to do without the fuel until emergency supplies were provided. And without hot water and her gas fire, Mrs Mills said the house would be close to freezing. She said: "There was one time when the gas cut off at 9.30am on a bitterly cold day. I had to wait until 3.20pm that day to get it sorted. I was doing without gas for hours on end for three weeks."

British Gas workers supplied Mrs Mills with emergency supplies worth £4 each time her fuel ran out. But it would take around four hours for them to arrive.

Mrs Mills, who has now been given a pre-paid card and £20 compensation, added: "It's been ridiculous but I'm a fighter and got justice in the end."

A British Gas spokesman said: "We are sorry for any inconvenience that has been caused to Mrs Mills and we have compensated her for the distress."