BARNARDO's, the children's charity, has teamed up with Devon Welfare Rights Unit (part of Citizens Advice) to improve the income of families in West Devon.

Vincent Willson of Devon Welfare Rights Unit said the charity was running an awareness campaign in West Devon to try and make sure that all families using pre-schools, nurseries or mother and toddler groups in the area are aware of their potential entitlement to benefit and tax credits.

Mr Willson said: 'Lots of people simply don't know that they can claim — the official figures are that around £1.9-billion goes unclaimed nationally each year.

'We want families in West Devon to be able to claim their share of this unclaimed amount. In particular, people really need to know about the help that is available through Working Tax Credit for the costs of child care.'

At the moment, up to £140 per week for one child or £240 per week for two or more children is included in the calculation for Working Tax Credits for people who are paying for registered child care.

Jenny Coleman of Barnardo's said: 'Getting help with the cost of child care can be a route out of poverty as it enables people to work and increase their income.

'Given the current economic climate and the planned changes in benefits and tax credits, there's no better time to find out what you are entitled to.'

Any family who has a child in pre school, nursery or any other type of childcare in West Devon can get advice about entitlement to benefits by telephoning Devon Welfare Rights Unit on 0845 605 6002 only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm.

In addition, Devon Welfare Rights Unit can also provide talks to groups of parents and carers — people should ask their child care provider about this.