Cash-strapped pensioners are missing out on vital support at a time when many of them are being plunged into poverty, campaigners have said.

Experts at Age Scotland have now urged older residents in the local area to make sure they are getting all of the help they are entitled to.

Last year, the charity’s advisers uncovered more than £660,000 in unclaimed financial support for older people across the country who called its helpline.

However, experts believe a “considerable” number of those on low and fixed incomes are still missing out.

New statistics from the Scottish Government suggest around 15% of pensioners live in relative poverty after housing costs.

Mark O’Donnell, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said: “There should be alarm bells going off within the UK and Scottish governments right now.

“They need to give much more attention to this and work together on taking more older people out of poverty.

“It’s unacceptable that we are rapidly heading towards a society in which one in every six pensioners is living in relative poverty.

“Poverty is a scourge on our society and has a devastating impact on too many older people but we have seen little to no progress to drive it down in recent years.”

Mr O’Donnell said he hopes a rise in the State Pension from next month will help to ease the situation.

He added: “By checking in with Age Scotland’s 0800 124 4222 helpline, people can find out if they or older family members are missing out on any social security support.

“Breaking down barriers to claiming support and ensuring older people are able to boost their income is key to lifting more pensioners out of poverty.”