MEMBERS of the Inner Wheel Club have donated £650 to Dementia-Friendly Alton, raised through a sponsored walk.

The presentation took place at the Christmas tea dance, which was held at the Royal British Legion club in December and compered by dance teacher Paul O’Brien.

A club spokesman said they were “very fortunate” to be the recipient of the Waitrose Community Matters scheme cash which saw Rachael Elliot from the Alton store present club secretary Pam Conway and president Christine Silver with a cheque for £500.

In 2014, Alton became the first town in East Hampshire to become Dementia Friendly. Many dementia and care organisations attended the launch and since then more than 40 high street retailers have signed up to the initiative.

Those taking part display a ’dementia friendly’ sticker in their windows to show people that staff have been trained to provide appropriate help and support for people with dementia and their families.

Sarah Gardner, an area co-ordinator for Dementia-Friendly, explained that as “two thirds of people diagnosed with dementia live within the community”, schemes like this are vital.