ANTIQUES expert David Harper is teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Society to raise dementia awareness.

Barnard Castle-based Mr Harper, star of shows such as Bargain Hunt and The Antiques Road Trip, will host valuations session as part of a special Alzheimer’s day at The Bowes Museum on Wednesday, May 21, starting at 11am.

The charity aims to heighten awareness of what dementia sufferers in Teesdale have to cope with on a daily basis.

Mr Harper said he was convinced the valuation sessions could have wide-ranging benefits.

“Events like this will help. They might trigger those memories and stories from the past and help get things fired up again.

“I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes when people reminisce; telling stories they haven’t told for donkey’s years. It is fascinating.

“Dementia is a growing problem because more and more people are living longer and so I didn’t have to think twice about doing my bit for the Alzheimer’s Society.”

The event will also feature a Dementia Friends awareness session run by the charity.

It is part of Dementia Awareness Week, a national campaign which runs from Sunday, May 18. This year’s theme is “don’t bottle it up.”

Organiser Mark Wilkes, Alzheimer’s Society services manager for County Durham, said: “It will give us a good opportunity to promote the services we are now running in Barnard Castle – Singing for the Brain and the Dementia Café – and also get people talking about dementia, which is vital.”

To book a place on the valuation sessions, contact the Alzheimer’s Society on 0191-3890400.