A CENTRE for people living with dementia is to be created in a replica of aged miners’ homes at Beamish Museum.

A terrace of four houses from Marsden Road, South Shields, has been chosen to be copied as part of the open air museum's planned 1950s Town.

Two of the replicated homes will host pioneering sessions for dementia sufferers, older people, their families and carers - building on acclaimed work already done by the museum.

The Marsden Road homes are owned by Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association (DAMHA) which is working with Beamish on the project.

Beamish is speaking to residents and other community groups to gather their memories of the 1950s as part of the project.

The museum's active ageing officer, Michelle Kindleysides, said: “We’re so fortunate to have such a unique environment to support our work with people living with dementia.

“Our 1940s Orchard Cottage has proved a great success.

“We’ve welcomed a wide range of groups to enjoy lots of different activities together. Being able to use a house which is full of original furniture, objects and music from the 1940s and 50s means the environment is very often much more familiar.”

DAMHA chief executive Paul Mullis said: “We are flattered and delighted to have been approached to help with the project and it will be fantastic to see some of our properties replicated at the museum.”

Beamish has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for £10.75million funding for the Remaking Beamish project which includes plans for the 1950s Town and upland farm, Georgian coaching inn and other developments.

The museum is holding a series of events from Monday May 18 to Saturday May 23

as part of Dementia Awareness Week. For more details visit www.beamish.org.uk.