The welfare state is often derided by those who think that many people take advantage of it and enjoy a lavish lifestyle while not bothering to work.

But such cases are in the extreme minority and are often blown out of all proportion. The benefits system is there to act as a safety net for those who cannot work, or are past their working lives.

What might be more surprising is that many, many people are not claiming the benefits they are rightfully entitled to, especially older people.

But thanks to the charity Age UK, older people in Bradford have collectively gained access to more than £1 million in benefits that they did not know they were entitled to.

The project to raise awareness and get people what they are entitled to is a sound one. The money is there and people just need a bit of help to access it.

Older people are especially deserving of whatever help they can get from the state. Many of them have worked all their lives, and try to subsist on meagre pensions.

There may be an element of pride among those who have not claimed what is rightfully there's, or simply ignorance about what benefits they are entitled to.

The world of benefits can be confusing and mired in red tape and bureaucracy, and it is not always easy to navigate, especially for older people who may have problems with long forms or online information.

Hopefully the success of the Age UK campaign will encourage more people to investigate the benefits system and enjoy perhaps a somewhat more comfortable retirement - as they fully deserve to.