ANGRY pensioners are set to take to the streets of Bolton to demand free television licences.

Protestors from around the country are expected to join local OAPs in the demonstration.

Pensioners campaigning for free television licences for all retired people are being backed by The Unemployed Action Group (UAG) in Bolton.

At present only the over 75s are entitled to a free TV Licence. The UAG have long campaigned for a better standard of living for all who live on benefit, and say they are appalled at what they see as blatant discrimination by the government.

Denise Lonsdale, Secretary of the UAG in Bolton said: "We think it's grossly unfair to limit the free TV licence to a minority of retired people - less than two million over 75 - while the majority of elderley and retired, already struggling on a meagre pension, have to pay the full cost of a licence. The government have refused to introduce legislation on age discrimination because they want business to do it voluntarily. Well we call on the government to practice what it preaches - voluntarily stop age discrimination immediately - and give all retired people a free TV licence."

Sunderland Pensioners' Association with the support of the Silksworth and Houghton-le-Spring District branches of the North East Pensioners' Association, started the campaign. They called on the government to stop the practice of age discrimination in respect of the free television licence granted only to the over 75's.

Pensioners groups in other areas have now picked up on the campaign and signed a petition. Campaigners will be coming to Bolton to stage a protest next month but exact details have not yet been finalised.