I READ with interest about the new campaign to urge pensioners to claim the housing benefits and income support that 500,000 aren't claiming -- and, quite right, they should.

But I wish they would also tell the pensioners that when they do get their income support, etc, the extra money the Tories are going to give them will mean they will lose the benefits again.

Thousands on a low income will find they are actually worse off as the Tory bribe will put them just over the threshold.

The Tories have missed a golden opportunity to do something right -- bringing back earnings-related pensions, so those who have worked all their lives could live comfortably while the "can't work, won't work" sorts can reap what they've sown -- nowt.

SAM SPENCE, Ribblesdale Place, Blackburn.