More than 2,000 older people have benefitted from an extra £1.2million in disability benefits thanks to Age UK North, South and West Dorset.

Richard Bristow, Age UK North South and West Dorset information and advice manager, said: "Over £1million in extra income going into the hands of local older people really makes a difference to pay for care and to keep warm.

"Our volunteer and welfare benefit workers have done an incredible job, more remarkable that for most of the year we had no office to operate from.

"Our volunteers continued to support people over the telephone and by home visit to ensure they had full access to their rights and an understanding for their responsibility so they could make informed choices."

Last year, Age UK helped more than 5,000 local people, of which, 2,100 needed detailed advice and information. These people brought 3,500 issues, 52 per cent of which were disability benefit matters and 48 per cent general advice, including a mix of care options, legal issues - such as power of attorney, housing problems, consumer issues, scams and access to a range of public services.

The charity, based at Crown Square in Poundbury, supports older people across Dorset to remain independent for a long as is possible, through its home support and independent living team.

The service welcomes interest from volunteers interested in training to deliver advice and information. Call 01305 269444 for more information.