The number of people claiming state pensions has risen, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Figures suggest that the number of people receiving state pensions increased to almost 12 million in the period up to November 2006.

This represents a 145,000 year-on-year rise, implying that increased numbers of people are claiming the state pension.

The department's figures also found that the majority of claimants were women (32 per cent), with 66 per cent not receiving any benefits.

Data from the department also found that the three million people who claimed Pension Credit represented a rise of 31,000 on data from the previous year.

The news follows reports that a JobCentre Plus is to close in Galashiels, under plans to cut positions across the country by 2008.

The Department for Work and Pensions states that the closure would help improve services to customers.