OLDER people in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are already starting to get their £200 winter fuel payment.

The Department for Work and Pensions is sending out the main batch of payments to households across the country in a rolling programme throughout November and December which should arrive before Christmas.

Most older people who are eligible get the payment automatically and need do nothing but wait for it to arrive but, some people eligible for the first time will need to claim and should check now.

For more information about winter fuel payments call the helpline on 08459 151515.

Calls are charged at a local rate and the line is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

You can also log-on to www.dwp.gov.uk/winterfuel