Groups representing the "grey vote" have begun a process to create their own manifesto for the next general election.

More than 800 organisations will be involved in the three-month exercise, described as "the biggest consultation exercise ever staged amongst older people".

The resulting document will be presented to the Pensioners' Parliament in Blackpool when it meets in May.

Among the main proposals, the state pension would be increased to £105.45 per week for a single person, and £160.95 per week for couples, with the link between pensions and earnings restored.

Pensioners would be offered a free annual healthcheck incorporating dental and eye care, as well as chiropody, while long-term care would be available for free.

In addition, a National Older Persons' Commission would be established to scrutinise all legislation for its impact upon older people, a free nationwide travel scheme would be introduced for pensioners, while television licences and internet access would be free.

"For the first time in the history of the pensioners' movement we will produce a collection of policies that all the political parties will be asked to support at the next general election," said Rodney Bickerstaffe, president of the National Pensioners Convention.

"In this way we will be able to show which candidates are supporting older people and then pensioners can cast their votes as they see fit.

"This unique exercise in pensioner power will no longer mean that older people can either be ignored or taken for granted by the politicians."