A POPULAR event in Largs held last year to support people with dementia is to return to the town this summer - and the organisers say they're determined to make it 'bigger and better' than before.

The Largs Dementia Friendly group held its first such event in September last year, with more than 80 people taking part. 

And the second 'memory walk' will be held at Barrfields Park on Sunday, June 2 - earlier than last year, in the hope that better weather will smile on the event.

The community fun day runs from 12 noon until 3pm and will involve several community groups.

You can walk as few or as many laps as you want, with ten laps covering a distance of two and a half miles, which will take around an hour. 

You can register on the day or in advance via www.dementialargs.co.uk/memorywalk.

Funds raised at the event, run by Largs Dementia Friendly and Alzheimer Scotland, will be split between the Dementia Friendly group and the volunteer driver service run by local charity North Ayrshire Cancer Care.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Robbie Stevenson, chair of the Largs Dementia Friendly group, said: "We have expanded the Memory Walk, which will raise funds for Largs Dementia Friendly.

"We will also be raising funds for North Ayrshire Cancer Care, mainly to support the drivers in and around the Largs area who volunteer to take people to hospital appointments, of which there are many."

All participants in last year's inaugural event were asked to wear purple, in a nod to Alzheimer Scotland's corporate colour.

Electric rickshaw rides, stalls run by various local groups, entertainment including live music and magicians, and a food and drink kiosk also featured.

Last year's event, which raised a total of £650, was also held in tribute to two community heroes, local runner and Largs Fun Run co-ordinator Peter Grant and first responder David MacDonald, who were both strong supporters of many community causes.

Again, this year's event will take place in memory of loved ones lost during the past year.

Robbie added: "We have extended the event to include North Ayrshire Cancer Care (NACC), who are assisting in promotion. 

"We will be making a donation to NACC and hope that they can become part of the Memory Walk going forward.

"I used the driver service more than 25 times this time last year to take me to the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow for treatment

"I'm currently "clear" one year on. Many families in Largs and district have found that the service is invaluable.

"This year's event is looking like being bigger and better."

The event will be officially started by the sounding of a horn from a Scottish Fire and Rescue appliance based in Largs.

Attractions planned for the event include a tai chi warm-up, the Largs Boys' Brigade Pipe Band. a tombola, a trishaw, face painting, musical entertainment, a magician, walking football, a KA Leisure kids' play zone and a health check unit.

Refreshments will also be available.

The Largs First Responders and Largs Community Resilence teams, who assist the emergency services, will also be on attendance on the day.