COLNE Valley MP Kali Mountford has reassured pensioners they can still get the money by using their order book.

Confusion over Government plans to pay pensions into bank accounts was made worse by recent public sector strikes.

Ms Mountford said anyone who still wanted to receive their money in the traditional way could.

She added: "In the first instance, they will have to write to the Pension Service, telling them they wish to continue being paid by order book. They will then have to write to confirm the request and will be able to receive payment in this way until 2005, possibly longer."

Ms Mountford was, however, keen to say there were some advantages of a pension being paid straight into a bank account.

She said: "Small amounts can be withdrawn at any time from cash machines, and a debit card can be used to pay for goods and services.

"This means pensioners do not have to carry large amounts of money around."