Around 60 people from churches in the Upper Calder Valley from Luddenden to Todmorden heard Esmee Russell, senior national campaigns organiser of Age Concern, describe the complexities of the current care system.

She explained how the Government has put out a consultation paper, describing five different ways in which care of old people could be paid for in the future, and asking for comments on what people saw as the best way forward.

She gave the advantages and disadvantages of each of the five suggestions, and all the further information which was needed to make a considered judgement on them.

This was then followed up by the suggestions put forward by each of the political parties with regard to care of people in old age, and finally, a question and answer session.

As a follow-up to the evening, and the next two in the series, a meeting will be held with the Parliamentary candidates of the three main parties during the lead-up to the general election.

Two of the prospective candidates were present, and commented how useful and successful the evening had been to them also.

The next of the Big Issues meetings will be held in Hope Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge on Thursday, February 25.

The topic will be World Poverty, and the speaker will be Lindsey Pearson, Yorkshire Unit Manager for Christian Aid.