ACTIVISTS from the Holsworthy area working for a better deal for people aged 50 and over are amongst those who have won top-level recognition for 'grasping the nettle' of the challenges facing an ageing population.

More than 200 delegates from across Devon – including the Holsworthy district – and a countywide live audience on BBC Radio Devon, heard high-profile speakers at the Senior Council for Devon's 'Everyone's Tomorrow Conference and Information Fair' in Exeter on Thursday (March, 11).

Pensions' minister and MP, Angela Eagle, said: "The Senior Council for Devon, the voluntary forum for older people, has demonstrated just how to grasp the nettle of dealing with the issues affecting an ageing population.

"You are going from strength to strength, and have achieved a lot in a short amount of time, in diversity and range, from dementia awareness campaigns to hobbies and skills and silver surfing."

The minister said that the government planned to outlaw age discrimination by 2012, with a review currently going through parliament.

And she announced that from April carers would be able to claim credits in their national insurance contributions to the basic state pension.

Also speaking were Cllr John Hart, the leader of Devon County Council, Rebecca Harriott, the deputy chief executive of NHS Devon, and BBC Radio Devon personality Tony Beard – also known as the Wag from Widecombe.

The vice-chair of the Senior Council for Devon's Holsworthy group, Margaret Coles, said: "I thought the conference/information fair was very good, and people came away feeling positive. There was a good turnout from Torridge generally."