FORMER Sheriff of Chester and councillor for the Lache ward Jane Mercer has shown her support at the launch of a new memory café which has opened its doors in Newton.

The event was held on Cupcake Day recently.

Estelle Byrne, along with John Eames from St Michael's Church Newton, who have developed Blue Sky Memory Café with Alzheimer's Society, said: "The launch was well attended and also supported by church members, and the local community of all ages.

"This new memory cafe is something that John and I have grown passionate about. Here at Blue Sky we offer a warm welcome and hope to bring some joy to those with memory problems, giving their carers a chance to relax and make friends."

Cllr Mercer said: "I was delighted to have been invited to attend the opening of this Memory cafe, and pleased to see so many people there – despite the competing attraction of the Queen and Meghan who were visiting Chester on the same day!

"There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere and I'm sure the cafe will become a favourite spot for socialising and making new friends. Congratulations to the Alzheimer's Society and all their partners who made this possible."

Caroline Hebblethwaite, Dementia Café co-ordinator for Alzheimer's Society in Cheshire, said: "It was great to launch the new café on Cupcake Day.

"This promises to be a welcoming and very convenient location for all those affected by memory loss and their carers to share chat, company and free cake with others who understand.

"Dementia is set to be the 21st century's biggest killer and affect one million by 2021. The money raised from cupcakes will help us find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected.

"Although Cupcake Day has now passed, you can still chose to mark the occasion another time, there are no excuses not to get involved. Visit cupcakeday.org.uk to sign up today."

The café, supported by Alzheimer's Society, will run on the second and fourth Thursdays from 2.30-4pm at St Michael Church's Community Café in Newton, Chester for people with dementia and their carers.

Alzheimer's Society has been working closely with a number of organisations in West Cheshire and Chester to help them develop their own sustainable dementia cafes.

For more information on times and locations of these groups, call 0300 369 0570.