Members of Northampton Pensioners Voice will join more than 1,000 campaigners from across Britain for the protest, which aims to highlight claims that many older people have their needs ignored.

To make their point, some protesters will dress up in bandages and dark glasses.

Harry Tuttle (left), from Northampton Pensioners Voice, said: "The plight of pensioners in Britain has become so endemic and part of everyday life that no-one seems to be shocked anymore that 2.5 million people still live in poverty.

"Our campaigning will show that pensioners can be a powerful group when they get together, especially when it's election time.

"Our MPs should take note that if they want to keep their jobs, they should do more for the older generation."

The campaign group is advocating the introduction of a pensioners' charter which would encompass a number of basic rights for all older people in the country.

This would include raising the basic state pension for all men and women to at least £130 a week, restoring the link between pensions and earnings, introducing free social and long-term care, outlawing age discrimination and providing free nationwide travel.