Keighley’s MP has attended a special session in Parliament as part of a drive to end the stigma surrounding dementia.

Kris Hopkins was one of 30 MPs and peers who took part in a number of exercises arranged as part of the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Dementia Friends’ initiative.

The scheme seeks to help people understand what it might be like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action.

The Alzheimer’s Society wants to have one million Dementia Friends by 2015 to improve the lives of the 650,000 people living with the condition in England.

Mr Hopkins said: “I’m very happy to show my support for Dementia Friends, and would encourage residents in Keighley and Ilkley to join me. Given the rise in the numbers of people now living with dementia, it’s vitally important we develop a deeper and wider understanding of the condition.

“Dementia Friends is a welcome vehicle that I believe can make a difference to people living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society deserves great credit.”

People interested in getting involved with the project can visit dementia friends.org.uk for further information or to volunteer as a Dementia Friends Champion.