ALL THIS talk about pensioners getting huge amounts of money. It's time the record was put straight.

For some pensioners they will be getting a large pension, these are mainly (but not all) pensioners who have not been prudent with their money while working, eg living the high life, not providing for their old age, been too busy spending it.

Some have never worked. Yet these same people can collect council tax exemption, get their rent paid, get pensioner credit.

Some can even get free central heating installed. Not long ago I paid over £500 for a new gas boiler and I am a pensioner.

I had to pay because I have worked hard from being 15 years old. I paid my taxes, and contributions. At one time I was working a 72-hour week and had a young family.

Also out of my wage I paid for a private works pension and what happens to a lot of pensioners like me? We are taxed and better taxed. All I receive is a free bus pass, free prescriptions and winter fuel allowance. After what I have contributed all my working life I think I am entitled to it.

What makes me so mad is my money going to people who won't get off their backsides and go to work, also to today's pensioners who have worked and frittered their money away and now expect the state to support them, which they do.

So I wish people would stop knocking pensioners who appear to be well off, they have worked hard for it, more fool us.

H HAMER, Lowther Place.