A NEW film on dementia was well received when it was shown for the first time at a town arts centre.

Members of the Sutton Coldfield Movie Makers were inspired to make a film about early onset dementia after seeing recent news articles that highlighted dementia is no longer confined to older people.

Arthur Fletcher, from the club, came up with an idea for a script and then decided to approach Bromsgrove Fire Station in order to see if they would support the making of the film.

Station commander Phil Berry allowed Sutton Coldfield Movie Makers to make the film using the station, in School Drive, with firefighters encouraged to act in it including Wayne Berry and Watch Commander Daz Packwood who played the leading roles.

Arthur said: "The whole project has been approached as a ‘community’ service.

"The fire service provided a location and members volunteered to be actors in the film - a local doctors surgery also allowed their premises to be used, as did a local pub.

"Everyone taking part volunteered their time, effort, equipment, all free of charge.

"This is not in any way a commercial exercise, it is hoped that the film will be of use within the community."

The 20 minute film called The Shout premiered at the Artrix art centre, in School Drive, on Monday, April 20.

The premiere was attended by about 80 people including Sutton Coldfield Movie Makers film crew, firefighters who acted in the film, as well as members and officers of the Alzheimers Society and Age UK.

People living with dementia and their families also attended.

Arthur added: "The film was well received.

"The local fire service announced it would be using the film to raise awareness of Early Onset Dementia locally, and John Hodges, assistant chief fire officer of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said he would put the film forward to the national fire service for use nationally.

"Age UK and the Alzheimers Society expressed interest in using the film."

Copies of the film are being made available free of charge to charities and other parties to assist in raising awareness of early onset dementia.

For more details visit suttoncoldfieldmoviemakers.org.uk.