The Alzheimer's Society has welcomed around 100 people to its 2018 Carlisle Memory Walk.

Two routes took walkers around Bitts and Rickerby Parks this morning to help raise awareness and funds for the thousands of Cumbrian residents who live with dementia.

Poignant and personal dedications were pinned to the backs of many of those who had travelled from across north and west Cumbria to take part, celebrating loved ones diagnosed with the disease.

The walk got underway once a blue ribbon was cut by Carlisle pensioner Peter Jones and Christine Thomson, from Workington, who cares for her husband Bob.

Mr Jones, who has vascular dementia, said: "It is good to be able to come and do an event like this to talk about what it means to live with dementia."

It is the fifth year a walk has been held in the city to raise funds for the charity.

Today's event was organised by volunteers, led by former GP Brian Scroggie, and supported by The Cumberland.

It included live music from Carlisle's St Stephen's Band and a raffle.

Sue Swire, Alzheimer's Society community fundraiser for Cumbria and Lancashire, said: "We support anyone who is living with dementia, the person themselves or their families and carers.

"Carers are usually the ones that need the most support.

"We've got groups, support and advice and one of the main ones is our Side by Side scheme. It is a volunteer service where we match up a volunteer who has the same interests as someone with has dementia so it allows them to continue to enjoy doing what they like. We've been doing that for about a year in Carlisle now."

In January, figures collected by GPs showed that there are 5,003 people over 65 who have been diagnosed with some form of dementia in the county.

But, it is feared that thousands more may be living with the condition but have not been diagnosed.

* See Tuesday's News & Star for full coverage.