OVER the last few weeks OAPs have taken a bashing pertaining to their state benefit and what they receive.

In order to receive full pension, one must have paid 47 years of national insurance, 44 years for a woman.

These people have been fully employed and paid income tax for 47 years or more. Some have even paid voluntary contributions to enhance their pension. Married couples could have paid up to 94 years of national insurance and income tax to claim full pension. I cannot find anyone on £400/£500 a week.

These people have contributed to the system. A lot of people getting various benefits have not put a penny into the system.

Why do we send £28million in child allowance abroad?

You say we are a drain on the state, let's turn the page over and look at our political leaders who are in a job they choose, vote on their own salary increase, even their pensions. They only need to work about 18 years then retire on good pensions, paid for by our taxes.

Some, as we have read, fiddle their expenses and apart from having a second home can claim monies for a new kitchen, TV and hi-fi from our taxes.

Mr Gordon states that Blackburn is plunging into poverty. I agree there is poverty but it's not the OAPs to blame, they have paid their dues.

Let us look at another point, the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, millions of pounds being spent, plus £250million in aid, plus unknown millions in aid to Iraq and millions of pounds in aid to other countries.

I'm not saying we should not help poor countries, but charity begins at home. We seem to look after other people before our own, but a lot of people do not get what they are entitled to.

I am an OAP and a widower, paid my national contributions and taxes for over 47 years and receive a state pension including some from my late wife's. It is far short of £200 per week. All that I get is 25 per cent off my council tax.

I and other OAPs get no concessions for gas, water, electric, food, clothing and petrol.

On winter fuel payments, all those who have written about OAPs will gladly take the fuel payment and the free bus pass when they reach 60.

So please leave the OAPs alone, we have paid our monies and receive what we are entitled to. We are too proud to beg.

MR E HAMMOND, Blackburn.