Male pensioners living in Oxfordshire have been urged to find out if they are owed winter fuel payments.

About a million men aged over 60 in the UK have yet to claim their winter fuel payments and some live in Oxfordshire, according to Southern Electric.

Initially, only men over 65 were eligible to receive payments

But a European Court ruling in 1999 determined that both men and women over 60 should be able to receive payments and the men are now eligible to receive backdated payments. These date from the 1997/1998 winter and could amount to as much as £800 for each household.

Liberal Democrat Social Security spokesman Prof Steve Webb suggested yesterday that the Government could owe around £187m.

Southern Electric is also keen to hear from anyone, either male and female, who believe they could be owed money from last year.

"We want to ensure that anyone in our region who is entitled to receive the winter fuel payment actually receives their payment," said Leigh Usher, Southern Electric's Careline Manager.

"Winter fuel payments are paid to customers who were aged 60 and over on the qualifying date of September 24, 2000, and this amounts to £200 per household for the winter just gone."

Anyone who thinks that they may be owed money should call the the Department of Social Security direct on 08459 151515.

Alternatively, for more information or advice ring Southern Electric careline on 0800 622838.