A DEMENTIA support group based in the North-East is to be backed over the coming year by the region’s biggest indoor shopping centre.

Newcastle-based Dementia Care has been chosen from several worthy causes to be the Metrocentre’s new charity partner.

The Gateshead centre invited charities from across the region to nominate themselves to be its new charity for 2018.

Applications flooded in and a judging panel from the Metrocentre, including community manager Clare Cannon, faced the challenge of selecting just one worthy charity for the year ahead.

Following a difficult selection process, Dementia Care was chosen as the charity partner.

It provides specialist care, support and advice to people with dementia and other neurological disorders, such as acquired brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Dementia Care, with centres in Newcastle and Hexham, has supported people with dementia, as well as their families and carers, since 1993.

More than 200 people use their facilities, which include respite care, home support, day services and independent supported living housing, each week.

The charity was named Alzheimer’s and Dementia North-East Care Provider of the Year, 2017, at the Social Care Awards.