Pensions minister Angela Eagle visited the borough last month to encourage people to find out what Pension Credit they could be entitled to.

In the first three weeks from October 5, when the campaign began, calls to a special claim line generated enough new claims to put an extra £70,200 a year into the pockets and purses of pensioners in the borough.

This means the campaign is already well on the way to reaching its target of £300,000 a year of extra claims the borough.

Pension Credit is a means-tested payment, based on income and savings.

From April 2009 Pension Credit has guaranteed single pensioners an income of £130 per week and couples an income of £198.45.

Pensioners may also claim Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit at the same time over the phone.

Ms Eagle said: "This is really good news. It means more people who have done the prudent thing and saved are being rewarded.

"Around 150,000 pensioner households in North East England are getting Pension Credit ,but we know that there are more who could be getting extra money but haven't claimed.

"I don't want anyone to miss out on extra money they're entitled to, so I urge people in South Tyneside to get all the help available to them by applying for what's theirs."

John Berry, secretary of South Shields Pensioners' Association, said: "This is very good news, but there's more work to be done."

During the campaign, which will continue until the end of the year, the Department for Work and Pensions will be working with groups
around the North East and organising other activities, including radio and public transport advertising targeting pensioners and their friends and family.

People can find out more about their entitlements by calling 0800 731 4811.