HUNDREDS of people are rallying to support a grey power revolution that is starting in Weymouth and Portland.

A new action group that aims to stand up for the rights of citizens over 55 looks set for a hugely successful launch after people from around the borough pledged support.

Following an article in the Echo last month revealing the aims of the Weymouth Area Seniors' Project (WASP), the chairman of the group said his telephone had hardly stopped ringing.

WASP is being set up to tackle issues such as crime, transport services, disability access and pensions.

It is currently being run by a 20-member steering group and will receive its official launch in October.

Steering group chairman Roy Hemsley said: "As soon as the Echo hit the streets my phone rang consistently for three days.

"It's now nearly three weeks since the article was published and I am still receiving calls from people wanting to join WASP.

"I would say that in excess of 350 people have contacted me saying they want to join and as far as I can tell that's not including the 200 people who attended the meeting at the Pavilion when the idea to form the action group was first raised.

"It's a tremendous amount of support and I'd like to thank the Echo for the support."

Mr Hemsley added: "Some of the callers explained the problems they were facing while others told me they wanted to do their bit to help.

"Many of the callers felt strongly about the same issues the steering group has already discussed, such as crime, the state of the seafront and pensions.

"The general feeling is that as you get older you become invisible and that makes you feel isolated and disconnected from what is happening in the community.

"WASP will act as a forum for older people so they can have their say about what is happening."

Steering group members say they are now faced with a dilemma.

They have arranged a meeting for October 7 to get WASP off the ground and sign up new members but they fear the venue that has been booked is too small.

Therefore anyone who would like to attend the first meeting of WASP and join up as a member is asked to call the steering group secretary Noella Green on 01305 785340 so the group can get an idea of numbers.