SCARECROWS of all shapes and sizes will be parading through the centre of Williton later today (Friday, September 28) as part of an ongoing campaign to try and create the first 'dementia friendly' village in the UK.

Pupils from local schools, along with staff and residents from Croft House care home and the local community, will parade through Williton dressed as scarecrows.

The parade will begin at Croft House at 2pm and end with tea and cakes at Danesfield Middle School.

It comes a week after the official launch of the project and a specially written book, Archie's Story, which focuses on the tale of a scarecrow who is living with dementia.

The book illustrates the main signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, the most common type of dementia, and the things people can say and do to ensure sufferers feel they are still a meaningful part of the community.

The project is deliberately spanning all age groups, with children at

Danesfield Middle, St Peter's and Old Cleeve First Schools working closely with staff at Croft House, which has its own dedicated dementia wing.

The children have been learning about the signs and symptoms of dementia and the things they can say and do to ensure people with dementia feel more confident.

Over the last six months, businesses and individuals have also been encouraged to pledge their support for the project, which is being spearheaded by Croft House's parent company Somerset Care, Exeter University and Taunton-based charity Reminiscence Learning.

One of the main objectives of the scheme is to ensure people living in and around Williton with dementia can confidently use local services and businesses, helping them to remain independent.

It will also give local employees a better understanding of dementia and give them the skills to interact with dementia sufferers on a daily basis.

Anyone interested in being part of the project can contact Reminiscence Learning by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or by telephoning 01823 323752.

The charity runs training courses and taster workshops to help people improve their dementia care knowledge and skills.

Somerset Care is one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare providers in Southern England.