RESIDENTS of a Keighley care home relived the past during a day at the seaside.

The nine residents and their carers from Regency Court travelled by train to Morecambe as part of the Dementia and Community Rail project.

The project is run by the Bentham Line – the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership – which encourages new use of the line.

The aim of the trip was to bring back memories of travelling by train to the seaside holidays.

The day was sunny and warm so the party was able to enjoy fish and chips on the promenade at the town once known as ‘Bradford-By-The-Sea’ due to the huge numbers of people from the district who used to holiday there.

Regency Court manager Vicky Thompson said: “Residents and staff enjoyed a lovely day at the seaside and travelling on the train. Thank you to the Bentham Line and railway staff for supporting this wonderful experience.”

The event was supported by local train operator Northern, who staff ensured that boarding and leaving the train was an easy process with an extra wheelchair available.

Bentham Line vice-chairman Rod Tickner, a member of Dementia Friendly Keighley, said this was the first time the group had attempted a supported visit with a group from a care home.

He added: “I am really pleased with the way it worked. Careful planning and thoughtful support from both our volunteers and railway staff helped create a positive experience and brought obvious pleasure to the group.

“I was keen to do this, as my own wife was a resident at Regency Court for three and a half years. Consequently, I knew many in the party.”

This was the latest in a series of visits to Morecambe and the Forest of Bowland for people with dementia.

The Partnership is making details of its Bentham Line experiences widely known within the railway industry, to encourage other routes to support enjoyable days out the people living with dementia.