There have been new calls for free TV licences for all UK state pensioners, with a new petition already having been signed by thousands of people.

The petition, Fund Free TV licences for all pensioners, was started by Michael Thompson, who says: "We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence."

He adds: "Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.

"We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to........

© South Wales Argus