The memories of people with early onset dementia have been jogged through a mammoths tooth.

In June Epping Forest District Council launched a group for 50 and 60 year-olds with the early symptoms of dementia.

With the help of Age UK Hertfordshire, a trip was organised to Lowewood Museum in Hoddesdon where members could handle original objects including a mammoth’s tooth, Stone Age hand axes and bronze and Iron Age pottery.

Vanessa Gayton, museum heritage and culture assistant manager, said: "The objects were chosen for their tactile qualities.

"Prehistory was a new topic for everyone in the group, so the carers as well as their

partners had the opportunity to engage with objects to learn something new about a period of

history they had no previous knowledge of.

"To finish, the group tried simple art and craft activities linked to the objects using charcoal and clay."

With plans to try the initiative out at Epping Forest District Museum still coming together, in the meantime older people can get involved with a dance workshop.

Starting for a second run in September at the Waltham Abbey museum, people are invited to express themselves through a range of visual arts, dance and fitness techniques.

The Museum Movers group attracted 13 people on its first run and is suitable for people with a wide-rang of abilities.