SOARS of blue and yellow will soon be seen in the centre of town to mark National Dementia Action Week.

Members of Dementia Friendly Bridport will be ‘yarn bombing’ Bucky Doo Square on Saturday, May 18.

Many people, with and without dementia, have been busy knitting bunting, pompoms, flowers and scarves in yellow and blue, the traditional colours that represent dementia.

Their aim is to cover every available tree, surface and space with these woollen items to make a colourful spectacle.

The group will also have a stall in Bucky Doo Square where there will be information about local support and a chance to talk to members of the group.

National Dementia Week takes place from May 20 to 26, although the Bridport group will be marking the event a week earlier.

During the awareness-raising week, there will also be a dementia friends information session on Monday, May 13 at Beacon Church Hall, Priory Lane, from 3pm for anyone who would like to learn more about dementia. This is free and will last around an hour. For more information, email dementiafriendlybridport@gmail.com

This will be followed by a tea dance at St Mary’s Church Hall on May 19 from 2pm and 4pm, costing £2.50 per person, which includes refreshments. For more information, call 01308 456418.

Debra Bates, chairman of the group, said: “Dementia Friendly Bridport would really like people to come along to Bucky Doo Square on May 18 to enjoy the spectacle of the yarn bomb and come and meet some of the members of our group.

“As well as the opportunity to find out more about what Dementia Friendly Bridport does, there will be some information about support for people with dementia.

“The group always wants to hear from local people about what they feel is important, particularly in relation to people living with dementia in the Bridport area.

“Dementia Friendly Bridport is a group of volunteers who are committed to making life a little better and easier for people living with dementia.

“We listen to what people tell us they need then we put into action a practical solution. Small changes in the town can make a huge difference. We go to Bridport Town Council meetings where they have listened to our findings and are very supportive.

“We have had a very successful ‘Use our Loo’ campaign where we now have more than 20 venues signed up to welcome all who need to use their loo. This is something that benefits everyone, not only people with dementia.

“We are continuing to campaign on issues that are important to local people.”

For more information about the group, visit www.dementiafriendlybridport.co.uk or search for the group on Facebook.