A SERIES of creative dance classes for people living with dementia will be held at Bournemouth's Pavilion Dance South West (PDSW).

The organisation has joined forces with Arts 4 Dementia as part of its Reawakening: Living Well with Dementia in Dorset 2017 programme.

There will be a series of eight weekly creative dance classes for people with mild memory loss and their companions, taking place at PDSW in Westover Road.

"With more than 13,400 people in Dorset living with dementia and many more being diagnosed each month, the need to provide support for those with the condition, their families and carers has never been more important,” says A4D founder, Veronica Franklin Gould.

"Time and again, we see that the risk of developing dementia can be lowered and its progress slowed by taking part in painting, singing, dancing and others arts activities."

PDSW already runs the hugely successful Parkinson's Dance and classes for the Older and Perfect (OAP) members of the community.

Manager Lisa Lort said: "We are passionate about helping people to lead happier and healthier lives through dance. Movement is such a powerful social tool in bringing people together, finding joy through their bodies and sustaining a healthy way of life. We look forward to welcoming people to our venue to join us on this new journey.”

The classes are free and will take place on Fridays from 10am-11.30am, from March 24 until May 19.

Registration forms can be downloaded from pdsw.org.uk or can be completed at reception on booking. Call 01202 203630, go to the website or call in to the reception.