THOUSANDS of senior citizens took part in the biggest ever National Pensioners Convention (NPC) and protest march to be held in Blackpool this week.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 pensioners joined in the annual march from the North Pier to the Winter Gardens on Monday -- giving a striking visual demonstration of their demands and ceremonially declaring the Pensioner's Parliament open.

Blackpool councillor and pensioners campaigner Doreen Holt was extremely impressed with the gathering. "It went very well and the march was fantastic," she said. "It was the biggest I've ever seen. MP Tony Benn, gave a stirring speech to urge us to carry on fighting for our rights.

"I spoke with the new president, Rodney Bickerstaffe and he is a very genuine and nice person. He definitely has the pensioners best interests at heart.

"The main thing we want is to restore a link back with earnings. It is to do with respect and dignity which seems to have been lost now, more than the loss of money."

More than 30 representatives from the Blackpool Pensioners Pressure Group also joined the throng. John Simpson from the pressure group, also praised Mr Bickerstaffe: "He seems to be trying a more direct approach to the deprivation of pensioners and I think he will be a leader who will actually get us somewhere. "

Spokesman for the NPC, Neil Duncan-Jordan, said the key issues were the basic state pension, restoring the link with earnings and long-term NHS services for senior citizens.

Although Wyre MP Hilton Dawson didn't attend the convention he showed his concern for pensioners rights as he pointed out: "There are thousands of senior citizens in Wyre of whom fewer than 2,500 have so far claimed the Minimum Income Guarantee.

"From April 9 we have had a huge increase in the minimum income guarantee. It now stands at £92.15 a week for a single person and £140.55 for couples, compared to the current level of basic pension which is at £72.50 even after recent increases.

"The minimum income guarantee is available for people aged 60 or over who have less than £12,000 in savings and an income which is below weekly minimum income guarantee levels," he added.

To claim, simply call the free claim line on (0800) 028 1111.

ON THE MARCH: Pensioners make their case for a £100 pay-out.