Learning about how to claim benefits was part of a special disability awareness day held at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon yesterday.

Help at hand - Barbara and John Snoding get advice from Basildon Disability Voluntary Carers' Susan Lane Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

More than 500 people converged on the inaugural event in the town, which featured stalls from more than 50 groups ranging from car companies to advice bureaux and those offering holidays.

Event organiser Pete Crowhurst said: "If all those who came to our show today are now successful in claiming benefits then within six months, we will have brought a million pounds into the region - to the people who really need it most."

Anyone who missed the event but still requires disability assistance of any kind can phone 0845 4503001.

Published Thursday, June 12, 2003

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