A retirement home in Witham is starting a new Christmas tradition to remember loved ones and raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Boars Tye Residential Home, in Boars Tye Road, will have an 8ft tree in front of the care home which will be decorated with personalised baubles.

Activity coordinator Kathryn Vaughan said: “The tree has been a bit of a team effort. Emma who is part of the team came up with the original idea.

"Between us, we have tweaked it and I have started to advertise it and make the baubles.  

“We are a dementia registered home, so Alzheimer's and dementia is a cause close to our heart.

"We wanted to bring some Christmas love to the village and other local towns, as well as raise money for Alzheimer's Society and our residents‘ activity fund.  

"The baubles will be personalised with a name and filled with forget-me-not seeds which can be planted in memory of loved ones. 

“The tree is not just for those who have battled dementia but for anyone who wants to honour a loved one that they have lost.  

“The baubles will stay on the tree over the festive period and then in the New Year people will be able to collect them and plant the seeds. They will be able to use the baubles for years to come afterwards on their own trees.  

“We hope it will be a huge success and the start of a tradition that will grow with every coming year.” 

The tree will be at the front of the care home from December 1.