LANCASTER widowers could benefit from a new ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, according to Lancashire County Council.

Two men have won lump sum payouts and ongoing weekly payments after the court ruled that they were entitled to the same rights as women who lost their husbands.

Men who think they can benefit are being urge to contact Lancashire County Council's welfare rights service.

County councillor Frank McKenna said: "We especially want to hear from any widowers who are bringing up children alone and whose late wife paid full National Insurance contributions at some time. These are the types of cases he Government is now settling."

Write to Welfare Rights Service, Freepost, Preston, PR1 8BR -- no stamp is required.