Aquafit members have come together to raise hundreds of pounds to help make the town dementia friendly.

Aquafit sessions at Bridport Leisure Centre not only provide fitness, they are fun and friendly classes when friendships are formed.

A group of regular attendees of the classes, who like the occasional get together, decided that they would like to hold a garden party as a fundraiser this summer.

The group were keen to raise funds for a local group and Dementia Friendly Bridport was the very popular choice.

Rachel Heath, an instructor at AquaFit classes, said: “Dementia Friendly Bridport do an amazing job and we are proud to live in a Dementia Friendly town. We are far more than a leisure centre, there is community spirit here and we are fully inclusive. The staff took part in dementia training, we also hold a dementia friendly hour and are part of the use our loo initiative, so this charity is close to our hearts”.

On August 15, a group of ladies and gents held a garden party at the home of AquaFit member Julia Hughes.

They each took along a plate of food and the Pimms was flowing. Apple bobbing, guess the weight of the cake, a tombola and other fun and games all took place for a donation to the cause.

The members all had a great afternoon and raised more than £300.

Debra Bates, the chair of Dementia Friendly Bridport, thanked the group for their donation and said: “Please pass on our thanks to the AquaFit group. It sounds like a great time was had by all.

“All monies raised go directly to supporting families living with dementia in the Bridport area. We highly value all the support which is being given by the Leisure Centre and look forward to furthering relationships”.