A dementia art group in Pewsey could be forced to put down their brushes if funding is not found to extend the project.

The ten-week pilot scheme at the Bouverie Hall was set up by Alzheimer’s Support.

Now funding from Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Wiltshire Council has come to an end, and to run the group for a year the charity must find £4,000.

Chief executive of Alzheimer’s Support Anna Littlechild said: “Unless we can find a new source of funds the group will have to close. We are hoping a local organisation or benefactor will come forward.”

During the sessions people living with dementia and their carers created paintings, prints and mixed media work under the guidance of art therapist Emma Burbidge, finishing with an exhibition.

“Art taps into the creative side of the brain which is still in place when somebody has dementia,” she explained.

“Suddenly they would find themselves remembering things that otherwise would have been forgotten and they were then able to talk through their experiences.

“It was also good for the carers because they could talk to the other carers.”

Sue Hardy, 61, of Sunnyhill Lane in Oare, went to the group with her 71-year-old husband Noel who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last October.

She said: “It was a morning to look forward to and Noel and I found it to be of great benefit. We both hope further funding will be found for what proved to be a very positive experience.”

For more details about the group contact (01225) 776481.