GWENT politicians had better sit up and take notice of the 'grey' vote in the forthcoming general election, Age Concern Cymru says.

The charity has just issued its manifesto for the next general election, which it says could well be determined by the over-50s - a group who voted in their millions last time.

Robert Taylor, director of Age Concern Cymru, said the document draws on the views, experiences and values of the over-50s based on the organisation's daily contact with hundreds of thousands of people.

"We strongly believe that the voting patterns of older people is an increasingly complex area which each of the political parties cannot afford to ignore.

"There is no age interest block in the UK and the over-50 population is as diverse as any other," he said.

"But one thing is certain: it is an increasingly vocal population. As the post-war 'baby boom' generation approaches retirement and older age, it brings with it a set of high expectations, values and views which are unlikely to result in meek acceptance of poor pensions, inadequate health care, costly transport and age discrimination."

Age Concern wants any future government to be committed to:

* Ending the scandal of pensioner poverty - increase the basic state pension to £105 a week and retain the state pension age at 65; persuade employers to do more towards pensions; reward the important work of carers.

* Stopping age discrimination - end the discrimination older people experience in health and social care; end mandatory retirement ages; create a Commission of Equality and Human Rights.

* Improving public services - more choice in care, housing and support services; more emphasis on prevention; protect the most vulnerable; improve services for older people with mental health problems.