Older people in Dover and Deal are missing out on support worth nearly £5.4 million, which they are entitled to.

Pension Credit is an income-related benefit but more than four in 10 who could receive do not claim it.

It means in Dover, Deal and the surrounding villages £5,379,000 is not reaching older people.

Across the UK 1.3 million households are missing out, adding up to £3.5 billion a year.

The area's MP Charlie Elphicke revealed the news today to raise awareness as part of the charity Independent Age’s campaign.

He said: “It’s great that we have this support in place to ensure that older people are properly looked after.

“That’s why we introduced things like the triple-lock so that the state pension increases significantly every year.

“Yet it’s important people get the support they’re entitled to. That’s why Independent Age’s campaign matters.”

Mr Elphicke has also fought against the BBC’s plans which limit free TV licenses to those in receipt of pension credit.

He says the low uptake of those entitled is another reason the BBC should reconsider them.

Independent Age’s campaign to raise awareness aims to secure at least 75% of eligible people receiving Pension Credit by the end of 2020 and 100% by 2025.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

Read more: All the latest news from Dover