A NEW memory garden to support people with dementia is opening in Keighley town centre.

The garden, in Church Green, is being formally unveiled this afternoon.

A ceremony will be performed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Zafar Ali (pictured), and town mayor Councillor Fulzar Ahmed.

The plot is planted with memory-invoking blooms and varieties chosen to stimulate the sense of smell.

A seating area has been provided, with the Alzheimer’s Society logo installed in the paving, and there is an information board explaining more about the garden.

Numerous groups and businesses have been involved in the initiative, and Keighley Town Council will oversee the maintenance of the site.

Cllr Ali said: “I am delighted to be opening this garden. It will benefit young and old.”

Steve Seymour, chairman of Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFK), said the opening is the culmination of a four-year team effort.

He added: “It’s great to see the garden completed.

“It is now a space for the community, and particularly people living with dementia, to use.

“Without everyone’s commitment, the project could not have happened.”

DFK colleague Sandra Kelly said the group had been delighted to contribute ideas, through its members living with dementia, to the project.