Croydon Heath Services NHS Trust are calling on residents to donate old photographs, newspapers and books, that could spark memories among dementia sufferers.

As part of Dementia Awareness Week, the Oasis restaurant at Croydon University Hospital will be converted into a reminiscence corner on May 23.

In addition to items donated, the restaurant will feature a 40s, 50s and 60s theme display as well as memorable dishes from each decade.

Dementia lead Dr Selina Lim said: "Dementia affects many people in Croydon and only 43 percent will ever receive a diagnosis.

"We all need to be more aware of what we can do to help patients living with this condition, so for national awareness week we are involving the local community and providing information and advice to hospital visitors."

The Trust recently put in a bid to the Department of Health for £980,000 to change the existing elderly care wards into an integrated dementia-friendly care zone.

This has been successful at first stage and an update on the next phase is due in June.

During Dementia Awareness Week staff an information stand will be open and staff will be on hand to offer advice. There will also be free raffle tickets with a fruit hamper as the main prize.

Donations to the reminiscence corner can be made at Wandle 2 ward on the third floor of the Jubilee Wing, orange zone, Croydon University Hospital.