OLDER people in Dorset are being urged to use 'grey power' and play a greater part in shaping services targeted at their age group.

Anybody over the age of 50 can now influence Government thinking by taking part in a series of free sessions to pool ideas and put forward the concerns of older people.

The focus groups have been set up by Dorset County Council, Help and Care, Age Concern, South West Dorset Primary Care Trust and Anchor Staying Put.

The council's director of social services, David Joannides, said it was especially important for the elderly in the county to take part, so that organisations can tune into their needs.

He added: "We have an increasing population of older people in Dorset and with the official definition, that means people ranging from 50 to 100 years old.

"People across this age range have very different needs and aspirations and it's important that services of all kinds develop to try to match those needs. These sessions are a small part of a much larger initiative to give older people a clearer voice in local and national government.

"We hope they will encourage older people to tell us what they want, how they want to achieve it and how they can be supported."

The four half-day sessions will take place from 2.30-4.30pm on May 14, May 28, June 11 and June 25 at the Age Concern Centre on Prince of Wales Road, in Dorchester.

For information, contact Mike Clark, on (01305) 224820, or email socialserviceslisten@dorset-cc.gov.uk.