A COMMUNITY rail group is launching a major initiative to improve train travel for people with dementia.

The Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership (LMCRP) has won funding to develop the Bentham Line, which includes Keighley, as a 'centre of excellence' for passengers with the condition.

Support for the innovative project has been provided by Northern's Seed Corn Fund.

The aim is to produce a rail travel and destination 'toolkit' for groups using the line, to make journeys less stressful and boost people's memories of train trips in days gone by to destinations such as Morecambe and the Yorkshire Dales.

Training would be provided to volunteers and Northern staff as part of the venture, which is also backed by Alzheimer's Research UK.

Catherine Huddleston, partnership officer with the Bentham Line and the project co-ordinator, said: "This scheme will give interested parties along and beyond our route the opportunity to collectively develop an innovative 'toolkit' with an emphasis on accommodating individuals with additional needs.

"Group members will travel along the route and on to destinations from it, which include the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland.

"The eventual aim will be to transfer the initiative to other lines and train operating companies across the north and around the UK."

LMCRP chairman, Gerald Townson, said a trial last year had proved hugely successful.

"We arranged travel to the coast for a group," he added.

"The experience proved incredibly powerful and helped those travelling to reconnect with their fond memories of earlier holidays, visits and rail journeys."

Rod Tickner, an LMCRP director and a founder member of Dementia Friendly Keighley, also welcomes the initiative.

He said: "From the work we are doing with people living with dementia in the Keighley area, we know that making routine tasks such as rail travel less stressful will be very helpful for them and their carers.

"It is well known that many local people still think of Morecambe and the Dales as the holiday destinations of their earlier years.

"On behalf of our group in Keighley, I strongly support this proposal and look forward to seeing the scheme get under way. And I welcome the opportunity for groups providing support for those living with dementia to be involved.

"We are pleased that Alzheimer's Research UK is also working alongside us."

Matt Clarke, the Alzheimer's charity's regional fundraising officer, said: "It can sometimes be difficult for people with dementia to get out and about, so it's really promising to see a project trying to help those affected.

"There are around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, so it's important we do everything we can to improve understanding of the condition and take away the stigma."

Any group interested in becoming involved should contact Catherine Huddleston at Bentham Station Building, Station Road, Bentham, Lancaster LA2 7LF, e-mail the.bentham.line@gmail.com or call 07471 941038 or 015242 98940.