DEVON is a trailblazer in creating dementia friendly communities, according to TV personality Angela Rippon.

Seven schools in Devon — out of 21 nationally — are taking part in a pilot project launched by Prime Minister David Cameron to develop community awareness of people living with dementia. They include Okehampton and Tavistock colleges and Spreyton Primary.

Ms Rippon is an Ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society and was in Exeter on Monday to hear about the work the Devon schools have already done.

The schools have been working to develop activities to help remove the stigma associated with dementia. They have been interacting with people experiencing dementia and taking part in community singing with sufferers.

Ms Rippon said: 'I am thrilled so many schools in Devon are taking part and that Devon County Council is one of the first councils pioneering the initiative.

'You are trailblazers for what will happen in every school in the country,' she told pupils from the schools at the celebration event at the Corn Exchange.

'As you grow up you will not be afraid of people who have dementia. You will grow up understanding what it is, with no fear of the illness, knowing how to treat people with dignity and respect.'