Jo Osorio, of Age Concern, has urged Swindon's senior citizens to claim all the benefits they are entitled to, as part of Your Rights Week.

He said: "It's vital older people find out what they are entitled to and claim what is theirs.

"Rising bills are a major strain for many older people, yet up to £2.9billion in benefits is unclaimed by older people each year.

"Many miss out because they don't realise what they are entitled to, don't know how to claim, or feel that there is a stigma attached to claiming benefits."

Free information packs are available all this week from Age Concern Swindon and from the website www.ageconcern.org.uk.