Pensioners over the age of 60 playing at Mecca Bingo in Wallsend were told they could be among those in the region missing out on hundreds of pounds through Pension Credit.

They were told the message by Pensions Minister Angela Eagle and local Pension Service experts, who made the visit as part of an advice session.

Ms Eagle said: "Around 150,000 pensioner households in the north east are already getting Pension Credit but we know there are more who could be getting extra money but haven't claimed and I want to get that cash into their pockets.

"Some people wrongly think they won't qualify for Pension Credit because they have savings or own their house.

"I don't want anyone to miss out on extra money they're entitled to so we're bringing the message to bingo and helping people apply for what is theirs."

Sarah Vaughan, manager of Mecca Bingo Wallsend, said: "Mecca Bingo is delighted to have teamed up with the Pension Service on such an important initiative.

"Our bingo clubs are right at the heart of so many communities around the UK and play a vital role for our members in these communities – for them it's far more than just bingo.

"That's just one of the reasons why the scheme has already proved to be a real success, enabling the brilliant staff of the Pension Service to reach not only eligible pensioners but also friends and families of those who will benefit from Pension Credit."

During her visit, Ms Eagle also launched a new 40-page booklet providing information on Real Help Now schemes for people over 60 years to help them through the global economic downturn.

For more information about the benefits you could be entitled to, contact 0800 731 4811.