DEMENTIA patients in Warrington Hospital's 'Forget Me Not ward' took a trip down memory lane and sang along to Bing Crosby and Doris Day classics.

Singer Bexi Owen provided the entertainment before rounding off the day with several Christmas hits from over the years.

LifeTime officer Val Walsh praised the event and confirmed there would be similar events coming up after the turn of the year.

"It was lovely to see everyone smiling and clapping - most of them knew every lyric," she said.

"All of the patients were holding hands while the songs were going on which was really nice to see - our aim is to keep people connected, as well as active, so they can enjoy life.

"Dementia is very big on the agenda now and so we are trying to raise awareness of it and will continue to do so."

The day was just one of many set aside to increase awareness on dementia, with Warrington Housing Association (WHA) currently working towards helping the town become a dementia-friendly community.

The WHA board played "dementia fact bingo" to try to find out what it’s like to experience it.

The session included exercises designed to help people understand more about dementia to imagine what it feels like to forget the everyday things we often take for granted.

WHA chief executive Alan Kemp was spurred on to become a dementia friend after an employee's relative developed the condition.

"I am particularly keen to raise awareness of dementia in Warrington so that we can understand what people need and help to get them the support they need," he said.

For further information visit http www.lifetimegateway.org.uk.