AS a result of the announcement by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair stating that the remaining surviving ex-prisoners of war of the Japanese, are to receive long-overdue compensation in the region of £10,000.

I feel I can be of help to some claimants.

There is an estimated 7,500 still living who will qualify out of a possible 40,000 who returned to the UK, some 21,000 others died in captivity.

It will be of interest to all widows that they too are entitled to the grant (although they may have re-married).

It is quite likely that some widows who are in sheltered accommodation etc. are unaware of their entitlement.

Application forms can be obtained from the War Pensions Agency, Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP. Freephone 0800 169 22 77.

If anyone has any difficulties I can be contact on 01695 622811.

LAWRENCE Powers, secretary (St Helens Branch) Burma Star Association.