A COMMUNITY came together to perform a dementia-friendly nativity play.

Children from West Rainton Primary School and residents from Springfield Lodge Care Home put on the show for an audience of nearly 160 people as they performed A Midwife Crisis.

St Mary’s Church in West Rainton created a beautiful backdrop for the cast of 30 young children, eight older adults and three care workers who came together to perform the uplifting, funny and energetic nativity.

Headteacher Alison Mcdonough said: “Being dementia-friendly meant making small considerations and adaptations.

“The nativity had an older theme, the costumes and hair styles brought back memories and the church made changes to provide accessible seating, improved signage, large print handouts and sound for the audience members.

“The young people loved working with the older adults and it brought a smile to so many faces across our community.”

The West Rainton and Leamside group which organised the play was recently named Dementia Friendly Community of the Year.

Emily Burns, a Dementia Steering Group volunteer, said: “The nativity was supported by volunteers from St Mary’s Church, Dementia Steering Group, the School and Springfield Lodge who have all become Dementia Friends. Having this knowledge allows everyone to carry out small dementia actions that can make a huge difference.”