ELDERLY people are being urged to claim their full cash entitlement under the Government's Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG).

Bury MP David Chaytor says that 6,200 OAPs in Bury are benefiting from the guarantee, adding that many more may be eligible.

Mr Chaytor said the MIG was going up again in April, by £13 to £92 a week for single pensioners, and by £18 to £140 for couples. Help with rents and council tax comes on top of that.

He urged pensioners to call the MIG hotline, and a operator will take them through the claim form.

The freephone number is 0800 028 1111. Lines are open from 7am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.