If you were out and about in Bridport at the weekend, you might have noticed something a little different about the town centre.

Bucky Doo Square turned blue, with reels of knitted and crocheted bunting adorning its trees and benches, all for an important cause.

The display was created by the Dementia Friendly Bridport group and aimed to highlight the start of Dementia Action Week on Monday. Supporters of the group spent the previous week knitting bunting, scarves and pompoms to decorate the square as a means of promoting the national awareness campaign.

A fantastic response meant that the trees and railings surrounding Bucky Doo were all turned blue.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

ACTION: Bucky Doo was yarn bombed with blue bunting to raise awareness

Chairman of the group, Debra Bates, said: "We would particularly like to thank the Colmers WI and the First Bride Valley Brownie Group and many others for their knitted contributions. We were delighted at the amount of interest which was generated. We were also pleased to meet a number of people to hear what services would help families living with dementia."

The town crier announced the start of Dementia Action Week and Bridport's newly-appointed mayor, Cllr Barry Irvine, lent his support to the cause in what was his first function in the role.

The recently-formed Dementia Friendly Bridport, formed beneath the umbrella of the Alzheimer's Society, held a stall in the square throughout the day, providing information about local services to support families living with dementia.

Mrs Bates said: "The group is encouraging local businesses to sign up to two of the schemes we wish to promote. Firstly, the Dorset Carers card, which offers discounts and services in participating businesses to those caring for others. In addition, based on feedback from questionnaires, the group is also promoting the national ‘Use our Loo’ scheme whereby businesses with accessible loos display our sticker indicating their loo is available for use.

"There is increasing awareness of the need to offer more support to people living with dementia. Our aim is to build on Bridport’s reputation as a friendly and supportive town and make it more accessible for those with dementia."

To end Dementia Action Week, an awareness session will take place at Bridport Arts Centre tomorrow, May 25, between 10am and 11am. All are welcome.

For more information or to help Dementia Friendly Bridport identify what local people with the condition want and need, call 01308 425519 or email dementafriendlybridport@gmail.com

For more information on tomorrow's awareness session, contact Megan on 01308 424204.