Dereham is the latest Norfolk town looking to become dementia friendly.

Dementia-friendly towns are where volunteers work together, with support from Age UK, to spread awareness about dementia.

People from all areas of the town, from shopworkers to church volunteers, are trained to recognise when someone has dementia and learn what they can do to help them.

The project can also involve people going into schools to teach children about dementia.

The charity Dereham Meeting Point, which is a social hub in the centre of town, will be the focal point of the project.

A steering group is being set up, featuring representatives from organisations including Dereham Meeting Point, Breckland Council, Boots, Dereham Leisure Centre, Dereham Baptist Church, Dereham Team Ministry, Shipdham Surgery and other members of the public.

Jo Mountjoy-Dixon, dementia lead at Age UK Norfolk, who will oversee the project, said: 'There is a lot happening with dementia projects all over Norfolk at the moment and it is extremely pleasing to see Dereham getting on board. It is great to see a community taking steps that will help to greatly improve the lives of many people.

'A community becoming dementia friendly is good for everybody, not just people with dementia but also their carers, the elderly and disabled people.'

About 16,500 people in Norfolk suffer from dementia and that number is continuing to rise.

Other dementia-friendly towns include Swaffham, Wymondham and Aylsham.

Wells is also aiming to become dementia friendly.

It is hoped Norfolk could become the UK's first dementia-friendly county.