THE founder of a Teesside pensioners' group has spoken of his sadness at its imminent demise.

Former post office union official and Redcar and Cleveland Borough councillor Mike Findley formed the Cleveland Pensioners' Forum in 2000 to give a voice to the over-60s.

It has been at the forefront of many issues, including bus fares, benefits and the battle to restore the link between pensions and earnings.

With several of the committee suffering ill health and a lack of replacements, especially in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, the group will fold next month.

Mr Findley, who recently revealed he has Motor Neurone Disease, said: "We did get pensioners across Cleveland coming together, but it proved very difficult to get enough volunteers for such a big area.

"I am going to continue to help pensioners in Marske, New Marske and Saltburn as a smaller group, while in Stockton they have a very strong group led by Norah Sadler."

The Stockton group can be contacted on (01642) 860505.