A GROUP set up to help pensioners in Teesside is spreading its wings.

The Cleveland Pensioners Convention Forum was originally set up to primarily help the pensioners of east Cleveland.

But following a successful rally in Redcar, in March, when the Prime Minister's father-in-law Tony Booth addressed more than 200 pensioners, the group has decided to expand.

Secretary Mike Findley said he has received many inquiries from people across Teesside, and decided to extend the group and hold roadshow meetings throughout Cleveland to gather as much support as possible for the pensioners cause.

The group has now been renamed Cleveland Pensioners Convention Forum and membership costs £1 a year.

The group is affiliated to the National Pensioners Convention and its aim is to raise awareness of older people's issues.

The first of these roadshows takes place on Thursday, at 2pm, at the Cycling Club, 20 Brentnall Street, Middlesbrough and all pensioners, pensioner groups and people over the age of 50 are welcome to attend.