A CHARITY which helps people with dementia is taking part in a village improvement scheme.

The Alzheimer’s Society is playing its part in Durham County Council’s Operation Spruce Up in Langley Moor.

The work focused on the A690, High Street and surrounding areas.

Footpaths are being swept and cleared; benches, bollards and railings cleaned and painted; old bins replaced; signs cleaned and litter picked up.

Paths are being edged, weeds pulled out, trees and shrub beds pruned and planting is being carried out.

Staff and volunteers from the Alzheimer’s Society are helping give the improvements a more sensory feel.

They are helping to plant lavender which research has found can have a calming effect on people with dementia.

Future Spruce Up destinations may also be made more dementia friendly, through the use of colours which provide contrast, when painting street furniture and other items.

Dementia can affect people’s perception of colour and a contrasting colour will make a painted seat or bin stand out.

Charity spokesman Judith Bentham said: “We are honoured to be part of this initiative.”