A GOOD old fashioned singsong proved a big hit at a dementia support group.

Dorothy Bowman set up New Pathways Together in Newton Aycliffe in February to provide a place for people affected by dementia including relatives and carers to socialise and make new friends.

The group has grown from strength-to-strength and now meets at the Western Area Community Centre in Silverdale Place twice a week.

And now Mrs Bowman has joined forces with the Alzheimer’s Society to run a Dementia Cafe at the same venue on the last Tuesday of the month.

The first cafe was a great success with the regulars who enjoyed a light lunch of soup and a roll followed by cheesecake and ice cream.

Alzheimer’s Society volunteer Andrew Everett also attended and performed a variety of songs from films and musicals, while encouraging everyone to join.

Mrs Bowman said: “It is all about getting people out of the house by providing a friendly place to socialise.”

New Pathways Together meets from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Admission is £2 and new members are always welcome.