PENSIONERS in Lancashire are losing an average of £580 a year by failing to claim council tax benefit, according to Age Conern.

The charity said other important benefits such as Housing Benefit and Pension Credit also go unclaimed by many older people.

Bosses are now urging pensioners to check they are getting everything they entitled to.

Vicky Shepherd, Services Development Manager of Age Concern Blackburn with Darwen, said: "At a time when annual council tax bills are dropping on doormats across the county, it is sobering to realise that so many older people are not getting what they should.

"They may not know what is available, dislike filling in forms, or find the system too complicated.

"But we can offer practical help to make the whole process much easier.

"It is amazing to see how much difference a little extra money can make to older people's quality of life".

For more information or help contact 0800 009966.