Help is being offered to thousands of people who are eligible for Pension Credit but are not claiming it.

The council is running sessions at libraries and community centres across the borough, to advise people on Pension Credit and help them apply if they qualify.

The benefit can be worth £3,900 a year and by claiming it, people are then entitled to more help such as the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Cllr Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for communities and inclusion, said: "Thousands of people across Bury are eligible to receive Pension Credit but are not claiming it.

"Perhaps they don’t know they are entitled to it, or don’t know how to apply for it.

"That’s why we’re running these advice sessions, so that Bury residents can get the extra financial help they are entitled to."

The sessions will be held at Ramsbottom Library every Tuesday from October 29, 10.30am to 4pm, and every Thursday from October 31, 1pm to 4pm.

They will also be held at Prestwich Library on the same days at the same times, and at Bury Library every Wednesday from October 30, 10.30am to 4pm, and every Friday from November 1, 10.30am to 4pm.

The other drop-in sessions will be held at Outreach Community and Residential Services in Blackburn Street, Radcliffe, every Monday from November 4, 10.30am to 2.30pm, at Mill Gate Centre, Bury, every Monday from November 11, 10am to 3pm, and at The Green Community Café, Clarence Park, Bury, every Tuesday from November 12, 12pm to 2pm.