Alzheimer's Society has launched its first awards to celebrate commitments from communities to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.

The Dementia Friendly Awards, sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group, have been established to mark the two year anniversary of the Prime Minister’s national challenge on dementia.

A key part of this challenge was to deliver dementia-friendly communities that would enable people with dementia to enjoy a better quality of life.

Since the start of the challenge, 70 local Dementia Action Alliances have been created where organisations join forces to make improvements in their areas and 41 communities have signed up to Alzheimer's Society’s dementia-friendly recognition process.

Now Alzheimer's Society wants to here of the good work that has been happening in St Helens. Entries for the awards are open until Friday, March 28 and an awards ceremony will be held in May 2014.

 Award categories are: local, regional, national, voluntary organisation, business, school or college and Dementia Friends Champion,

Hazel Bayley, regional operations manager for Alzheimer's Society in the North West, said: ‘In just under two years a huge amount of work has been undertaken by groups and individuals to deliver dementia-friendly communities.

"Please nominate those who have been fighting for those with dementia and carers in your area."

Graham Lindsa yof Lloyds Banking Group said: "We’re proud to have been working closely with Alzheimer’s Society to help make Britain a better place for people affected by dementia.

"Throughout this time, we have led on the development of a charter to help the financial services industry improve the service they offer to people with the condition and their carers."

Entries should be submitted online at www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiafriendlyawards.

For more information on Dementia Friendly Communities and the official recognition process log on visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiafriendlycommunities or www.dementiafriends.org.uk