WITH all this talk about pensioners getting huge amounts of money, it's time the record was put straight.

Some pensioners 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.

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 and paid my taxes and contributions.

I was working a 72-hour week and had a young family. Out of my salary I also paid a works pension.

What happens is a lot of pensioners like me are taxed. All I receive is a free bus pass, free prescriptions and winter fuel allowance. After what I have contributed all my 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, and pensioners who have worked and frittered away their money and now expect the state to support them. I wish people would stop knocking pensioners who appear to be well off. They have worked hard for it.

H. HAMER, Lowther Place, Blackburn