THE Government's multi-million pound publicity campaign on pension credits says 'Pick it up, its yours'!

I rang the freephone number with high hopes. It did not take long for me to realise that I had more chance of running the four-minute mile.

The reason for this was simple, I was not on disability benefits.

I, like many other people of my age group, worked until retirement and have sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle, but because have been thrifty, because I have my own home, because I have a little saved, I constantly find that I am not entitled to the same benefits as a person who hasn't worked, who hasn't saved nor been thrifty.

Society has always had to put up with workshy, the glass back and sick note brigade but why them more financial help than those who worked hard all their lives?

Had I been workshy I could have help with mortgage or rent payments, help with council tax, I could have a budget or crisis loan, I could have free dental treatment, I could have help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, I could even get a free wig or a fabric support, the latter I could do with.

It is high time this government woke up and practised what it preaches, rewards the worker not the shirker!

J ALLAN (Mr), Rothesay Road, Blackburn.