FOREIGN Secretary William Hague took time out from his busy schedule to formally open a new dementia centre.

The Richmondshire MP was in Northallerton to open Bluebell House, the Alzheimer’s Society’s new day care centre on the Omega Business Park.

He met with service users and carers as well as Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers and was given a tour of the centre’s new facilities, before cutting the ribbon,

The Society’s local services manager Pam Crawford said: “We were delighted and very grateful to Mr Hague for sparing us time from his busy schedule to visit our new day centre and support this service for people with dementia.

“Being diagnosed with dementia can be a daunting and overwhelming experience but this service offers a calm, social environment in which people with dementia can take part in activities they enjoy and meet new people.

“With the right support, it is possible to live well with dementia, and we would encourage anyone who is worried about their memory, or that of a loved one to seek help today.”