Pensioners have been urged to come forward for top-up payments, with potentially millions of pounds currently unclaimed across the borough.

This comes several weeks after news that just under £8m in pension top-ups was yet to be claimed across Bolton, according to estimates by Bolton Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

As such, residents have been asked to think about whether they know any older people who have not yet claimed the payments they may be entitled to.

A Bolton Council statement said: “Is someone you know due a pension top-up?

“We estimate that over £7.9m of Pension Credit is currently unclaimed in Bolton.

“Ask your older family and friends, have you topped up?”

As well as the £8m still unclaimed in Bolton, the GMCA has estimated that across Greater Manchester there could still be as many as 36,000 households missing out on their top-up payments.

This comes to around a third of people who are entitled.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: “If you own your own home or have a private pension you could still be eligible, so please take a moment now and check, for yourself or your loved ones.

To check who is eligible, call Independent Age on 0800 319 6789.