A ONE-STOP shop to help pensioners is to be set up in Bolton.

Social Security Secretary Alistair Darling has announced the creation of eight projects across the country, costing £729,000.

Bolton has been chosen for schemes which will be set up in the spring along with Devon, Harrow, Middlesborough, Newcastle, Rhondda, Stirling and Wolverhampton.

Mr Darling said: "We are determined to do more to help pensioners.

"The project will improve our advice and support services to pensioners through working in partnership with local authorities and other organisations."

Pensioners will be able to get advice on a range of government services at one place, including benefits advice and social services support.

Each prototype would be tailored to ensure it responds to local needs and different lessons will be drawn from each area.

As part of the scheme, the Benefits Agency will work with local authorities and other organisations to help pensioners unable to reach a benefits office or a "one stop shop" to access benefits and services.

The projects will allow the Agency to assess whether it can provide better and more cost-effective services to pensioners through working in partnership with other organisations.

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