LOCAL schoolchildren have helped to launch a campaign to make Williton the first 'dementia friendly' village in the UK.

Pupils from Danesfield Middle School and St Peter's First School in Williton were invited to a special lunch at Danesfield to mark the launch of 'Archie's Story'.

Written and illustrated by Fiona Mahoney from Taunton-based dementia charity Reminiscence Learning, the book focuses on the story of a scarecrow who is living with dementia.

It is part of a wider project to enable people of all ages to help dementia patients living in and around Williton to remain independent.

The scheme is being spearheaded by Williton's Croft House residential home and its parent company Somerset Care, Exeter University and Reminiscence Learning.

Photo: Steve Guscott