OVER 75s are being urged to collect free television licences this autumn.

The TV Licensing agency has launched a campaign to make sure elderly people are not paying unnecessarily to watch television.

According to figures supplied by the agency more than 120 people in Medway will turn 75 this October and become eligible for a free licence.

More than 14,000 people in Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester already enjoy the benefits of a concessionary licence but many over 75s still continue to pay as they do not know they can watch TV for free.

A spokesman for the agency said: “Already in Medway, many people are taking advantage of the concession. We want to make sure that everyone who is eligible benefits.”

The campaign has been backed by the charity Help the Aged. David Sinclair, head of policy, said:

“We work with thousands of disadvantaged older people every year, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet on relatively low fixed incomes.

Against this background, the free TV licence for over 75s is a welcome initiative.”