SCORES of the Spa's older residents could soon have a vehicle to voice their views following a wealth of support for an innovative forum.

Local authorities teamed up to help launch the new group, which will help older people have a voice in the community.

The first steps to setting up the group were taken at Droitwich Spa Community Hall, in Heritage Way, when 120 people spent the afternoon learning how to make a difference to community life.

Organisers at Worcestershire County Council hailed the gathering, for over fifties, as a big success.

It is hoped this independent representative group will give older generations the chance to have their say on health, community care, transport, housing and roads. Mike George, the popular presenter of BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester's breakfast show, opened the event and there were speakers from Worcestershire County Council, the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, Wychavon District Council and the West Midlands Older People Advisory Group. There were also 30 information stalls about services for the elderly.

Eric Brooker, the county involvement officer for older people, said: "We are keen to look at ways of involving older people more in the way services are developed and delivered and this is one way of achieving this."

For further details call Eric on 01905 728558.