CIVIC dignitaries including East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe are due to take part in a ceremony tomorrow (Friday, 9 July) to mark the opening of a new facility for dementia sufferers in the borough.

The opening of the Alzheimer's Memory garden at Thurrock Community Hospital will take place around noon.

The event is open to the public, who are invited to attend the hospital on Long Lane to see what the facility offers.

The garden is to be a place of quiet reflection for people to sit in and volunteers will be there to offer tea and coffee to those who visit on Fridays.

It is hoped those who visit the garden will make new friends and there will be supportive activities for those who do attend, including craft sessions.