AGE UK Bradford District has launched a campaign following the controversial changes to winter fuel payments.

The Government voted earlier this month to restrict payments to those on the lowest incomes.

Age UK says over 12,500 older people across the district are known to be eligible for pension credit but don't currently claim it, however by doing so could keep their winter fuel payments.

Now the charity is raising awareness – through its information line and special drop-in sessions at community hubs, including the premises in Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre – of pension credit and how to claim it, and is appealing to the public for help.

Age UK Bradford District chief executive, Mark Rounding, says: "The Government’s decision to means test the winter fuel payment at such short notice and on top of rising fuel prices from October will leave many older people facing unenviable decisions this winter about how to spend their money.

"We're asking members of the public to help us raise awareness of pension credit by talking to older people they know, meet through work or have in their family, as this could make a world of difference to people's lives."

For further information, visit ageuk.org.uk/bradforddistrict