PEOPLE are being invited to 'lap the park' at Skipton's Aireville Park on Sunday (July 21) to raise awareness of dementia.

All are welcome to take part in the event and complete as many laps of the park they like.

Registration will be from 10.30am next to Craven Leisure, in the park, with laps getting underway at 11am. Walkers, who will be asked to make a donation of £5, will receive a yellow t-shirt sponsored by Home Instead.

Throughout the day there will also be stalls and refreshments to enjoy and families are encouraged to come and walk, bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Debby Lennox from North Yorkshire charity Dementia Forward said: "Dementia is something which in some way impacts over 50 per cent of the UK population, yet there is still so much work to do to raise awareness and remove stigma. It is vital that we talk about dementia, so that people know where to turn and how to access the support they need. We hope that walking in a public space will encourage people to ask questions and get that conversation going.”

Simon White, director at Home Instead, added: "Home Instead is delighted to sponsor the Skipton Awareness Walk on July 21. Dementia is one of the big health challenges of our time and especially as an ageing population, we all know more friends and family members living with dementia. The work of Dementia Forward in North Yorkshire is so important in helping raise awareness and providing practical advice and support when it is needed most. A little sunshine in a damp summer will made the walk an event to remember."

For more information or to register for the walk, call 01765 601224 or email amy.senior@dementiaforward.org.uk. For support and advice around dementia, please call the Dementia Forward Helpline on 03300 578592 or email info@dementiaforward.org.uk.