Yeovil resident Doreen Langdon has urged other senior citizens to 'pick up the phone now' and apply for the new pension Credit which is set to be introduced later this year.

Mrs Langdon saw the front page story in last week's Yeovil Express about Yeovil MP David Laws calling on local pensioners to apply for extra money from the Government.

The Pension Credit - which is to be introduced in October - will replace the Minimum Income Guarantee, but the Government has told Mr Laws that they expect around 1,500 pensioners in the Yeovil area will not bother to apply.

But Mrs Langdon said she had 'no trouble at all' in contacting the Pension Service and apply for the Pension Credit - which will also give extra money to pensioners with small amounts of savings and private pensions.

But Mrs Langdon said: "I saw the story in the Express last Thursday evening and I was straight on the phone the following morning to apply.

"We got through to the Pension Service quickly and they were very helpful. They asked me a few questions about my pension and my husband's and wanted a few other details and they filled out the form for us there and then over the phone. All we have to do now is wait for them to send us the completed form for us to sign.

"David Laws is doing a great job and its good that the Yeovil Express is helping him to raise awareness about the Pension Credit."

Mrs Langdon said that although they will have to wait until October before the Pension Credit comes into effect, she was pleased that she and her husband were 'at the front of the queue.'

"If people want to apply now all they have to do is phone up now and they will fill out the forms for you so you don't have to be worried about complicated forms," she said. "But if you wait until October they will more than likely send the forms out to you to be filled in.

"I fully support Mr Laws in his call to get people to apply. Just pick up the phone now and ring - it's as easy as that."

The Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 or over an income of at least £102.10 a week if they are single or £155.80 a week if they have a partner. It will also give new money to those who have saved - up to £14.79 for single people or £19.20 a week for people with partners.