COUNTY welfare rights chiefs have linked up with Chorley Borough Council to organise a mail-shot aimed at pensioners who might qualify for income support.

The move is one of a number of initiatives to help promote and encourage benefit take-up.

People who might be entitled for benefit are identified from council records and the County Council says so far seven district councils -- including Chorley which was one of the first to get involved -- have signed up to the scheme.

The welfare rights service has also published a new edition of its leaflet 'Helping you through the benefits maze'.

New updated versions are currently being distributed across the county and it has also been produced in large print to make it even more accessible.

In addition the Royal Preston Hospital now have easy access to special benefit manuals thanks to a joint project between the service and North West Lancashire Health Promotion Unit.