A PUB in Cleobury Mortimer has become dementia-friendly to support residents and raise awareness of the illness.

Landlady Wendy Satterly of the Kings Arms is proud that her establishment is now a place which supports the well-being of those dealing with dementia.

Having heard of the Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Action Week, from May 20 to 26, she felt it was important to provide a place to relax and unwind for local residents with the illness.

The idea behind the dementia-friendly pub is to support and empower individuals to regain part of their social lives to maximise their wellbeing.

Some of the staff who work at the pub have friends and family who live with the illness.

The pub has now trained all its staff to understand how to support customers with dementia, and has been approved as dementia-friendly.

Part of the assessment was to check the design of the pub's interior, checking to avoid patterned carpets, mirrors and other elements, which could prove difficult for a person with dementia to walk around independently.

The Kings Arms will also be hosting a monthly support group for residents and those in care.

Wendy said: "I think this will be really good for the town and a is fantastic scheme to be a part of.

"The pub has been assessed and has been made dementia friendly.

"It's about getting people involved and raising awareness in the community."

Dementia is a progressive illness affecting the brain and its symptoms can vary from person to person, and according to the Alzheimer’s Society, around 225,000 people develop dementia each year.