IN these times when the reputations of financial institutions and MPs are at an all-time low, please allow me to give credit where it is due.

I am a retired truck driver aged 65, living on state pension. Recently, without any warning, my income stopped at the month’s end but my bills, direct debits/standing orders continued.

Being the weekend I could not contact anyone until Monday; then I sought help first from Age Concern. Angela Barham and James Player immediately took up my case and gave me practical help.

Next I rang the office of our local MP, John Grogan, whose staff promised to investigate urgently. I was, frankly, sceptical but hopeful.

Finally I approached my bank with trepidation, expecting cancelled payments due to lack of funds and punitive bank charges.

“Oh ye of little faith,” it transpired. The bank management and staff examined the situation instantly and gave me full support until my income was restored. There is another way, as proved by Natwest, 1 Market Street, York.

Less than 48 hours after my appeal to Mr Grogan’s office, they rang me to say the matter had been placed with the senior authorities responsible for the defaulting Government department.

My income, with arrears, was quickly restored, and five days after I first contacted Mr Grogan’s office he took time out from House of Commons business to write me personally, inquiring if my pension had been fully restored, including arrears.

So a mega thank-you Age Concern, Natwest and Mr Grogan, not forgetting his dedicated staff. You are all brilliant people, take a well-deserved round of applause, one and all.

Terry Cullen, Vernon Close, Bishopthorpe, York.