A PIONEERING 'poetry and pizza' event for people with dementia and their families is to take place at Carnforth.

Prof Roger Clough, of Lancaster University, is hoping the poetry readings by members of Silverdale Players will help to revive childhood memories during the lunchtime gathering at the Royal Station Hotel, on Wednesday, February 8.

The emeritus professor of social care has been working with The Dukes theatre in Lancaster to put on special screenings and art workshops to help overcome the social isolation felt by people with dementia, their partners and families, who often choose to stay at home because of anxiety. He said the events had enabled couples to continue to do things together in a safe setting.

Prof Clough has achieved national publicity for the ground-breaking project, including an interview with broadcaster Jenni Murray on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour.

He said there is evidence that people who have lost many other memories can still recall tunes from their formative years, such as poems chanted as children and young adults, because of their rhyme and rhythm.

Everybody is welcome to come along on February 8 and to bring poems to recite or have read, and to listen to poems brought by others. The Royal Station Hotel will be serving soup, pizza and chips for £4.

The event is organised by the Labour Party's Carnforth branch as part of its drive for community wellbeing, but there will be no party politics, said Prof Clough.

Simply turn up on the day, from 12pm, or call 07703-103263 or email r.clough@lancaster.ac.uk to find out more.