Drivers at Direct Cars in Walmer are the first in the area to become recognised as dementia friendly.

It has been the outcome of Dementia Friendly Deal (DFD), a group that aims to raise awareness of the condition which is a chronic mental disorder.

It attempts to make life easier for people who have the disease.

Leanne Britten, the project worker for DFD, said that transport for people with this condition is vital.

She said: “Those in the early stages may have lost the confidence to drive and often become increasingly reliant on public forms of transport.

'Those in the early stages may have lost the confidence to drive and often become increasingly reliant on public forms of transport.' - Leanne Britten

“The dementia friendly taxi service project hopes to benefit people living with dementia by providing a simple and secure way to travel around; familiar faces and reducing the number of issues they come across.”

Despite Direct Cars being the first to take up the initiative, Mrs Britten is encouraging other firms to get in touch.

All that is needed is for the drivers to take part in an awareness information session which will clarify their understanding of the symptoms people with dementia may show.

Peter Lisle, of Direct Cars said: “Everybody enjoyed the evening and came away with a greater understanding of the disease and its affects on people and their families. “We will all have more confidence in dealing with everyday situations and helping people with dementia.”

For more information, contact Ms Britten via: dementiafriendlydeal@hotmail.com or ring: 07541069651.

People can also visit the group's website.