PENSIONERS were given free advice on Saturday on how they can increase their incomes and beat the big bills coming through their letter boxes. The happy message all the elderly wanted to hear was broadcast by Ken Lynch of the Biggleswade and District Pens

PENSIONERS were given free advice on Saturday on how they can increase their incomes and beat the big bills coming through their letter boxes.

The happy message all the elderly wanted to hear was broadcast by Ken Lynch of the Biggleswade and District Pensioners' Association when he set up his stall outside Budgens in Sandy.

Mr Lynch, a Sandy resident himself, distributed over 200 booklets outlining the benefits pensioners can legally claim to help them beat their financial plight.

Over 100 pensioners also signed a petition asking for more financial aid from the Government which will be sent to Chancellor Gordon Brown and Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"The event was superb and everyone I spoke to said they had read the story in The Comet about the event and wanted to know more," said Mr Lynch.

"So many people were amazed at the amount of benefits they could claim and had never bothered because they didn't have any information.

"Now, hopefully, they will claim the benefits they are entitled to."

Mr Lynch, who will be repeating the event outside Woolworth's in Biggleswade this Saturday from 10am, added: "Councils and the Government have got to be made aware of how much pensioners are suffering financially.

"Every bill is going up. Council tax, gas, electricity, water and petrol are rising and food is also more expensive. We are trapped because pensioners cannot go out and earn more money.

"We all rely on pensions which means the Government must help. Pensioners are on the breadline. Hopefully, the Government and local councils will listen to our pleas for help.