A RETIRED postman in Marske has been asked by a pensioners organisation to set up a branch on the Cleveland coast.

Mike Findley, who was a postman in Redcar for more than 20 years, has been asked by the National Pensioners Convention in London to organise a Pensioners Forum.

The new group would cover the Marske, New Marske and Redcar area.

He says the aim of setting up the forum is to provide "an effective and representative advocate for older people and have a positive influence upon local policy making and upon national policy in so far as it affects local concerns."

The forum hopes to represent the diverse interests of pensioners from different backgrounds and is prepared to deal with a wide range of both local and national issues. The group will also have a social aspect.

Mr Findley hopes to have the forum's inaugral meeting during October or November.

Anyone interested in joining the forum should call him on (01642) 494305