AN annual family-friendly sponsored walk has been staged in Keighley as part of a campaign to make the town more welcoming to people with dementia.

The 2016 event was organised by the Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFK) group and began in the Airedale Shopping Centre.

James "Buster" Feather of Keighley Cougars got the walk off to a rousing start then himself joined people of all ages as they completed the three-kilometre route.

Led by members of the Jamba Samba band the fundraisers initially did a lap of the shopping centre before taking in Devonshire and Cliffe Castle Parks, before finishing at the doors of Cliffe Castle Museum.

A spokesman for DFK said: "What was especially satisfying about this year’s walk was that we had several people involved who have dementia.

"They walked with us, completing the whole route, before joining us for refreshments in the museum.

"Supporter David Hargreaves was very active in the preparations including planning the route before the day and decorating the shopping centre with balloons on the day itself.

"The walk is about raising awareness of the condition but is also about fundraising.

"Our biggest fundraiser this year is John Robinson, who also has dementia. His efforts have raised about £420 to support our work.

"John and his wife Christine have made good use of the activity groups and events that DFK have run.

"We at DFK believe strongly that, with the right support and understanding, people with dementia can live well and contribute to the wider society and John, David and the other walkers are testament to that.

"We'd like to thank everyone involved with the walk, with special thanks to Buster and also the staff of Cliffe Castle Museum."