THE over-50s in Blackburn with Darwen are being encouraged to set up a forum to let the authorities know what they want.

The Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), including the local council, Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust and Age Concern, will stage an exploratory public meeting on November 21.

The event, titled 50 -- not out!, will take place at Ewood Park. Participants will be asked to decide how best to spend up to £20,000 on projects to benefit older people. The money is part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF).

If a forum is established it will be able to influence how other money, up to £300,000, is spent on improving quality of life for older people.

Coun Maureen Bateson, the council's executive member for citizen's rights and consumer affairs and chairman of the LSP's elderly person's group, said: "This will give older citizens a voice in how their community develops and the services provided.

"The over 50s have much valuable experience and we hope they will bring wise advice about how to progress issues of importance to them."

As well as stalls and displays, the session on November 21 will include presentations on what forums can achieve and how they can influence local services.

And there will be a quiz to find out exactly what older people know about public services in Blackburn with Darwen and the chance to spend the £20,000 on projects for older people.

The event is open to anyone over the age of 50.

For further information and booking forms, interested parties are asked to call 01254 267012. Places are limited so advance booking is essential.