AGE Concern fieldworker Mrs Pat Preston wants to meet pensioners in the area so that she can help them claim allowances they may not know about.

Many older people in the Forest are struggling to make ends meet without realising this money is available, says the organisation, which this week is backing Your Rights Week.

They are urging pensioners to check whether or not they may be missing out – some could even double their income.

Mrs Preston is holding two sessions to tell people what Age Concern is all about – at Lydney Co-op this Friday between 9.30am and 2pm, and next Friday, April 19, in Cinderford Co-op at the same times.

In particular she wants to meet anyone interested in finding out about Age Concern's meals on wheels service, as well as people who might consider being a volunteer driver for the service.

"I hope that by taking this opportunity to meet members of the public I will have a chance to make a real difference to the lives of many older people in the Forest of Dean," she said.

She can also be contacted on Dean 845621.

•The Lydney branch of the British Pensioners and Trade Union Action Association will be asking pensioners and others to write to their MP as part of the campaign for free national bus travel for senior citizens.