Grey power comes to Brighton and Hove today when a two-day conference for old people starts at the Brighton Centre.

The unique feature of this event will be elections for an older people's council which will advise city councillors on what the elderly want and expect.

Similar councils have been established by statute for some years in Denmark. When a delegation from Brighton and Hove went there, members were impressed by the way in which Danes treat old people.

They don't patronise the elderly but listen to what they say and make the most of the considerable skills and expertise many pensioners possess.

This council could become a real force for good in Brighton and Hove, providing elderly people with a powerful and effective forum.

But there are dangers. Several of those standing for election are former councillors and it would be a pity if the council divided on political lines.

Even worse is the prospect that the council could be dominated by old windbags who no one else will listen to because they are so dull.

The new council should resist the temptation of being negative, always complaining about what may be wrong.

But the signs are good so far. This week's conference looks as if it will be positive. It will also be entertaining. Sussex has one of the highest percentages of pensioners in the UK. It's time they found their voice and enjoyed themselves at the same time.