THE 37,000 elderly people in the Bolton area eligible for Government help with their heating bills this winter will start receiving their handouts from next week.

Social Security chiefs say pensioners will receive between £50 and £100 each before Christmas, towards the cost of warming their homes.

Many needy pensioners in the town will automatically receive the extra cash, from next week onwards, if they are already receiving particular benefits.

Official figures show that in and around the Bolton and Leigh areas nearly 95,000 pensioners will receive an extra payment.

Ruth Kelly, Bolton West MP, said paying for winter fuel costs was a major worry for many of her elderly constituents.

She added: "During my work I regularly hold coffee mornings during which I get the opportunity to meet many pensioners in my constituency and discuss any concerns they have.

"Nine times out of ten they mention the fears they have about the cold winter months and how they always worry about their heating bills."

Old folk on income support will be among the first to get the payments of £100 and other pensioners who are on particular state benefits will also receive the cash award.

Married pensioners, living in the same house and who both receive State Retirement pension, will get £50 each.

Pensioners and organisations can order free copies of the Winter Fuel Payment information leaflet by phoning 0845 6011562.

A special telephone helpline is also available from 8.30am to 4.30pm, from Monday to Friday, on 0645 151515.

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