PENSIONERS are to benefit from advice surgeries to be held in Bolton aimed at making the pensions system more accessible.

The surgeries, run by the pension Service, will offer information and expertise to the local community who often miss out on the benefits they are entitiled to because of a lack of awareness.

Local Service Manager John Collins said: "We are really excited by these new surgeries. They mean that we can make contact with local people and give them advice on benefits including the Minimum Income Guarantee, which can make a real difference."

The Sugeries will be held at: Age Concern, Ashburner Street on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1.30-3.30pm; Westhoughton Town Hall on Thursdays 10am-12.30pm; Horwich Town Hall on Fridays 10am-12.30pm;

Thicketford House, Thicketford Road on Mondays 11.30am-1pm; Asian Elders, High Street, Bolton on Tuesdays 10am-12pm; Hibbert Street Community Centre on Mondays 1.30pm-4pm.