A care home welcomed the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell to mark the launch of its campaign for awareness and understanding of dementia.

Councillor Neil Dallen and his wife Ann went to Appleby House in Longmead Road to help the Purple Angel campaign.

They, along with other visitors from the community, got creative in an art session run by Creative Minds, creating the “tree of life”, writing messages onto the tree’s decorations to symbolise everybody having a voice.

Then they were given a pre-recorded speech about the campaign by Purple Angels founder Norman McNamara.

Home manager Shona Bradbury said: “The residents and team members are proud to have helped launch such an important campaign here at Appleby House.

“We know how challenging looking after a friend or relative living with dementia can be, and want the people of Surrey to know they have our support if they are living with, or know someone who is living with, dementia.

“We would like to say a big thank you to the Mayor, Councillor Neil Dallen, and his wife, Ann Dallen, for joining us to raise awareness for such an important cause.

“We would also like to thank Norman McNamara, Creative Minds, and the local community for making the event such a success.”