Eileen Luker, 79, with volunteer carer Nathan Baine Ref: 76985-86PENSIONERS at a Swindon day centre are gearing up for an important day on May 5.

But it is not the election they are excited about it's a birthday party.

Fessey Day Centre turns five years old on May 5, and that is much more of an exciting prospect than the election for many of the people there.

Jenny Wren, 70, of Rodbourne, is clear which she is looking forward to more.

"The party," she says with no hesitation.

But Mrs Wren will be voting, using a postal vote, despite thinking politicians do not focus on elderly people enough.

Hilda Bourton, 88, of Upper Stratton, is also certain to vote as well as attend the birthday party at the Age Concern centre, on Brookdene, Haydon Wick.

But she has not decided who for and does not think it will make a difference.

"I always vote," she says. "I haven't made up my mind who for yet.

"I don't care really. It doesn't make a difference to me."

That view is shared by another woman, who did not want to be named, who proudly declares: "I am 84 and I have never voted it wouldn't make any difference."

Eileen Luker, 79, from Penhill, is more positive about the election.

"I have always voted," she said. "My son will take me.

"The politicians do some things for older people, they don't leave us out."

But she is in a minority most people here will vote but do not think politicians listen to them.

This backs up the view of Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon, who thinks politicians need to focus more on issues important to older people, such as pensions, public services and age discrimination.

"I think it is more important than ever that politicians of all parties listen to what older people are saying," he says.

"There are more older people there are 20 million voters over the age of 50 and they are more likely to vote than younger people and so if politicians don't listen to the voices of older people they may regret it."