VISITORS to a Stroud day centre got into the festive spirit with a Christmas coffee morning.

The visitors, who have mild to moderate dementia - tucked into mince pies and sung Christmas carols at Wyatt House Day Centre, in Mathews Way.

The event was organised by Stroud-based DoCare decided to throw the party for the day centre visitors – who have mild to moderate dementia – as a way of spreading some festive cheer.

Theresa Williams, day centre co-ordinator, said: “People love coming to the day centre and different events, like DoCare hosting this coffee and carols morning, are really stimulating for them.”

DoCare is a passionate supporter of services for people with dementia.

Una Mills, operations director of DoCare, said: “Only last week Alzheimer's Disease International said the number of people living with dementia worldwide is set to treble by 2050.

"So it’s our role as a responsible homecare provider, supporting elderly people – many of whom have dementia, to do all we can to help.

“I am a huge believer in the power of music and its ability to tap into the emotional side of our brain which links back to memories we may have.”