THREE years ago a Bournemouth group emulated the great statesmen of history.

They drew up their own Bill of Rights and have been putting the ideals into practice ever since.

But Bournemouth People First only wants things most of us take for granted - not to be bullied, to live as adults, and to have relationships.

They have more than 300 members from the disabled community and they have been trying to put the bill into work ever since.

They have trained bus and council staff, developed simple forms for reporting bullying and harassment, made special wallets with vital information, and much more.

Here the group members from the committee tell us how the bill has improved their lives since 2004...

Justine Humphry, from Kinson, said the skills she had learned in the group were part of her right to independence and adulthood.

"I have to co-ordinate the group and make sure people speak up for themselves," she said.

Ian Gavin, of Southbourne, said: "The right that helped me was relationships' - I'm now in a steady relationship with Annabel because I've got more confidence. I'm a little bit shy at times."

Stephen Wellington, from Charminster, said he had moved to a smaller shared home with less support that was less noisy, but that meant he could sometimes feel lonely - which was right number four in action. But he also knew about his right to have fun.

He said: "I'm known as the Lord of the Dancefloor!"

Jessica Page, from Moordown, said: "I've got more confidence to live independently.

"I'm looking forward to moving out."

Patrick Goodwin, from Charminster, said: "The rights have made me more loving and caring of other people's feelings.

"When I was young I used to bully girls but I'm a real ladies' man now!

"If I see my friend Emma crying I try and help her because I love her to bits."

Debbie Barnfield, of Springbourne, said: "I've learned I have the right to confidentiality, and to have feelings - and the right to say no to people."

Amanda Frost, from Boscombe, said: "I learned I had the right to live where I want to live.

"I now live independently thought the Keyring scheme."

Stephen Gaylor, of Westbourne, said his life had generally become better and that he felt safer.

Anthony Giles, of Winton, said: "A lot has changed over the last few years.

"We have become more independent and people are beginning to speak up for themselves."

Les Hebditch, from Bearwood, said: "I feel more confident about speaking to people - like when I had to report my wallet missing when I left it on a bus. I got it back!"

Marcus Doe, of Winton, said he has learned to use the buses more - but has had problems since Yellow Buses changed their numbers.

Abigail Martin, from Moordown, is new to the group.

She said: "I hope it can help me with using the bus.

"I want to get training so I can go to Bournemouth to the cinema by myself."