Boris Johnson is urging Bexley pensioners not to miss out on their benefits, as figures reveal £470m goes unclaimed across London.

One in six elderly Londoners are estimated to be living in poverty, whilst a third are not claiming their pension credits - worth on average £23-a-week or £1,200-a-year.

Some are unable to afford basic items and are living in damp-ridden homes whilst feeling too embarrassed to make a claim, a spokesman added.

Mr Johnson said: "It is vital that older Londoners get all the support they are entitled to including Pension Credit, a benefit that will make a big difference to their lives, particularly during the cold winter months.

"I urge all pensioners across the capital to visit or call their local Age UK centre to seek advice."

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Deputy Mayor Roger Evans said: "It is sad that an estimated 200,000 older Londoners could be struggling to pay for basic items like food and heating because they do not know what benefits they can claim.

"The Know Your Rights campaign has an army of people ready to help pensioners to get the support they are entitled to."

Last year's campaign helped Londoners claim an extra £1.2m in benefits.