A survey conducted by Age Concern has revealed that almost a third of those aged between 55 and 64 believe they have been discriminated against in employment because of their age.

And the experiences of some Keighley people echo these findings.

Bryan Smith, secretary of the Keighley branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "You go for a job at 40 or 45 and you get turned down - you're too old. It's happened to me and to other people I know."

Founder of Keighley's Third Age Group Frank Pedley agrees: "People will assume if you are a certain age you have certain characteristics or defects, which of course is wrong, because it's got nothing to do with age," he said.

The poll also revealed that 11 per cent of people felt they had been victims of ageism in the health care or healthcare insurance sector.

The figure rose to 16 per cent among the over 65s.

Gordon Lishman, director-general of Age Concern England, said: "This survey is proof, if any was ever needed, that age discrimination is rife in our society today and that we need comprehensive age legislation to combat it."

Now Age Concern has announced plans to let people become individual members of the charity, and is hoping this will help them challenge the Government.

Mr Lishman said: "Age Concern is launching its individual membership scheme, which will give older people the opportunity to directly influence policy makers and force the 'age issue' higher up the political agenda.

"As an organisation that works with older people in so many different contexts we are best placed to listen to their demands and relay on them credibly.

"Comprehensive legislation is needed now, not just to cover the workplace but many other sectors of life."

The Keighley News went out on to the streets of Keighley to see what people thought about the results of the survey.

Ernest Kaerger, 66, from Long Lee, thought a change was needed.

He said: "We need a new Government. Tony Blair is abroad too much.

"We elected an MP to carry out our wishes and the local MP is also not doing enough. I have been abroad a lot and people there get better pensions, far more than us. It's ridiculous."

Veronica Robb, 56, of Brackenbank Avenue, said: "There are unruly lads who are not brought up properly, with no manners.

"Kids from about 12 to 17 years old who are out at night destroying everything.

"As for work, I don't think there should be a retiring age for people, they should leave when they want to."

Pete Bethell, 63, from Highfield, didn't have any complaints about age discrimination.

He said: "I've experienced no problems, everyone wants to retire, and I think things are fair in the health service.

"It's not just the young with attitudes. You can't say they are all like that, some old people have bad attitudes."

Thomas Ryan, 67, from Long Lee, agreed.

He said: "I live and let live and don't think there is a problem with attitudes towards age. They should leave the retiring age as it is, and when people apply for jobs they should get the same chance as younger people."

Molly Hopkins, 63, of Braithwaite Road, didn't think there was a problem with ageism at work.

She said: "There's no trouble as far as I have seen."

Complaining about the health service, Raymond Cerrington, 64, of West Lane, said: "The health service is rubbish, in general. I'm lucky though because I haven't seen a doctor in 25 years."