A GROUP of older people from north Durham is going to Blackpool to take part in the Pensioners' Parliament next week.

Nineteen members of Derwentside Pensioners' Association are heading for the North-West on Monday and will stay until Friday.

They will take part in Question Time-style debates about pensions, care for older people, the NHS and the fear of crime.

Association secretary Donald Elsom, 76, of Grampian Court, Annfield Plain, said: "It is a matter of luck really.

"If you have something to say you put your hand up and you might get chosen.

"People come from as far as Exeter to Aberdeen, so it really is a national event. We discuss issues that do not just affect us, but will affect pensioners in the future.

"There is a social side to it as well, and you mix with people from other groups around the country at lunch and in the evenings."

The trip has been made possible after a grant of more than £2,000 from the County Durham Foundation.

Derwentside Pensioners' Association is always looking for new members and meets at the New Demi Pub, in Consett, every third Wednesday of the month, from 2pm to 4pm.

All over-55s are welcome.