Groups supporting people with dementia can bid for a share of a £50,000 pot being made available by GPs and Surrey County Council.

The Dementia-Friendly Surrey Innovation Fund is designed to help sufferers and their carers.

The number of pensioners living with dementia in the county, which currently stands at 15,000, is expected to rise by a quarter in the next seven years.

Mel Few, Surrey cabinet member for adult social care, said: “I am delighted that we are working with clinical commissioning groups to offer funding to help improve vulnerable people’s quality of life.”

The deadline for applications for funding up to £5,000 is September 30.

For information, email dementia.friendly@surreycc.gov.uk or call 01483 519006.