A KIDDERMINSTER man is hoping to drum up support for a group aiming to change the face of English politics by giving the nation its own voice.

Tony Trahearn, of Linden Grove, has been named the Worcester-shire county co-ordinator for the Campaign For an English Parliament - CEP - after backing the fight for more than four years.

The national group, formed in 1998, is battling to put the issue on the political agenda in a bid to correct what it views as a "democratic deficit" created by devolution in Scotland and Wales.

Its members claim an English parliament would strengthen democratic control, give people more of a say on spending issues and hand the nation a voice in the European Union.

Mr Trahearn, who has been married to his wife, Dianne, for 45 years, explained: "I see a lot of things wrong with this country at the moment and I want to try and do something about it.

"The campaign has no affiliation with any political party at all. Our members come from right across the board.

"All we want is exactly what Scotland and Wales have been given.

"There are so many issues that English people want to discuss but the way things are means we do not really have a voice. That is what we want to change, by getting our own parliament."

The 65-year-old, who has three children and four grandchildren, added he was looking forward to spreading the CEP message to Wyre Forest residents and was hoping to target younger supporters.

The retired civil servant said: "We are very worried about the lethargic attitude that young people seem to have towards politics. That is something that we definitely want to change."

Anyone interested in joining the CEP or wants more information can visit www.thecep.org.uk or call 07071 220234.