Almost 100 older people will reclaim the streets and try to break down the age barrier by wearing T-shirts featuring pictures of themselves in their youth.

Nancy Pelling's T-shirt is more of a political statement than a fashion one.

Forgotten by Brighton and Hove's vibrant youth culture, Nancy is one of almost 100 older people who will come together in Churchill Square next month wearing the individually-designed shirts.

The idea is to remind the younger generation that behind every grey hair and wrinkle is an individual with a story to tell.

Nancy, 72, from Hangleton, has a photograph on her T-shirt of herself as a glamorous 17-year-old.

She said: "The picture was taken by a professional photographer after I won a beauty contest.

"I've certainly changed since then and so has Brighton.

"We did not have discos and nightclubs then, we had milk bars and tea dances instead."

The project is part of an initiative called With Age Comes ... , the brainchild of Ruth Glaser, artistic director of Voodoo Vaudeville.

The scheme is supported by the Older People's Coalition and has been funded by Brighton and Hove City Council and Southern and South East Arts.

Its aim is to challenge stereotypes about older people by hosting workshops and establishing a photographic archive, filled with positive images of the over 60s.

With Age Comes ... will culminate in a day-long exhibition in Churchill Square on Saturday, March 8, featuring comedy, street theatre and music.

Many older people are expected to attend, each wearing personally crafted T-shirts.

Ruth, 37, said: "Brighton is superficially geared towards young people and has a vibrant youth culture but people often forget 24 per cent of people living here are retired.

"Sadly, it is often the case that older people are overlooked.

"Many people have a tendency to see an elderly person's age before anything else.

"They forget they are all individuals, with distinct histories and personalities.

"I hope this project raises the profile of elderly people and dispels some of the stereotypes."

Paul Martin, of the Older People's Coalition, has worked alongside Ruth in contacting dozens of community and support groups throughout the city.

He said: With Age Comes ... is a celebration of older people by older people.

"It is a powerful statement about achievement and continuing creativity.

"On March 8, older people in Brighton and Hove will be seen and heard and I hope contribute to a reassessment of attitudes to ageing."