A SWIMMING pool has made a splash by becoming the first in Yorkshire to be awarded ‘dementia friendly’ status.

Richmond Pool, on Station Road, received the accolade as part of work carried out by the Richmondshire Dementia Action Alliance which is aiming to make the district more dementia friendly.

Alliance member and District Councillor Lawrence Grose said: “Richmond Pool is a leading example of how a facility and its staff can easily become more dementia friendly.

“We hope this work will inspire others to do the same.

“In Richmondshire there’s a positive approach to dementia which, with help from our support network, will prove it is possible for those with dementia to live well.”

The Alzheimer’s Society is keen for as many places to become dementia friendly as possible by making small changes and educating staff about the condition.

The Richmonshire Alliance is hoping to support local businesses in this and can be contacted on jo-anne.simpson@richmondshire.gov.uk