Pensioner’s were sent a letter asking if they wanted the free check Pic: Tim Hamilton

A number of pensioners in Ribbleton have been given a financial boost in the last few months.

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A free benefits check run by Lancashire County Council found the elderly residents aged 75 and over were missing out on cash worth £91,000 a year.

Ribbleton Medical Centre worked with the council’s Welfare Rights Service to identify those who may need help.

Welfare rights officers visited the elderly residents and found on average 29 of them were missing out on £50 per week each.

County Councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Some older people in Preston have had what I’m sure is a very welcome boost to their incomes.

“As well as the hard-working staff of our Welfare Rights Service, I’d also like to thank the staff at Ribbleton Medical Centre for their help in making this campaign such a success.

“The Welfare Rights Service has been running these campaigns for many years now.

“As we have seen with this particular campaign and others elsewhere, it really could make all the difference.”

Alison Ashworth, practice manager at Ribbleton Medical Centre, said: “We’ve worked with the county council for the benefit of our patients.

“As a result, some of our older residents have had a very welcome boost to their income.”

People wanting a free and confidential benefit check can phone the Welfare Rights Service on 0300 123 6739 or email infowrs@lancashire.gov.uk