West Berkshire Council is holding drop-in sessions to help pensioners find out if they are eligible for pension credit.

This comes as around 10 million pensioners are set to lose their winter fuel payments under new Government rules.

Until now, all pensioners received the winter fuel payment to help with energy bills.

However, future payments will only be made to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested help.

In West Berkshire alone, it is estimated that around 600 pensioners have not yet claimed pension credit or applied to see if they're eligible.

Pension credit is separate from the state pension and is worth, on average, more than £3,900 a year.

It could provide extra cash to help with living costs for many people who need financial support.

The first session will be held at Newbury Library on Tuesday, November 19, from 10am until 12 noon.

Representatives from the council’s revenue and benefits and community engagement teams will be on hand to help, along with Age UK and Berkshire Department for Work & Pensions (DWP).

The libraries digital services officer will also be there to provide one-to-one support sessions if needed.

Councillor Patrick Clark, West Berkshire's executive member for adult social care and public health, said: "We really want to make sure that all our local people are claiming the benefits they need and deserve and have been looking at practical ways to do this.

"Without the winter fuel allowance, many pensioners will struggle when the cold weather comes.

"We know that many people prefer and need face-to-face help, and we are pleased to be able to provide that.

"If the first sessions are well received, we’ll be looking to do more around the district to help as many people as possible to meet the December 21 application deadline.

"If you, or a family member or friend, are aged 66 or over, you or they may be eligible for pension credit, so please spread the word about the sessions and come along if you can.

"We know that many people worry that it may affect any benefits they are receiving, but it is totally separate from the state pension and could really give a much-needed financial boost."

If you, or anyone you know, needs help to apply for pension credit, please contact Citizen's Advice West Berkshire on 01635 516605, Age UK Berkshire on 0118 959 4242, or Christians Against Poverty, Newbury on 0800 328 0006.

If you are a housing association tenant, please contact your association directly as many have support officers to help with matters such as this.