Actor Kevin Whately has opened a pioneering new housing scheme that will provide a unique home to people in Milton Keynes living with dementia.

In his role as Ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society, the star of Lewis – whose mother Mary died with dementia in 2009 – opened Flowers House. The development is due to a unique partnership between Milton Keynes Council and Aragon Housing Association, part of Grand Union Housing Group.

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Mr Whately said: "Before my mother's diagnosis with Alzheimer's, I had heard of the disease, but hadn't known anyone who had suffered from it. I know how devastating Alzheimer's, and any form of dementia is for the person diagnosed and their families. I think Flowers House is a great addition to the services and support already available to people living with dementia in Milton Keynes and am happy to lend my support to its opening."

Flowers House, named after Tommy Flowers, whose work at the world famous Bletchley Park led to the building of the famous code-breaking Colossus machine, is a £3.2m development, which will give 34 people their own apartment and offer the latest in secure round the clock care. It has been made possible with £2.4m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency and has been built by Bellcross for Aragon.

(CD/IT)