An East Lancashire nursing home has opened a new music room with a piano and pub-style bar to help its residents with dementia.

The dedicated space at the Mapleford Nursing Home in Bolton Avenue, Huncoat, aims to harness the power of music in promoting emotional well-being and memories among individuals living with memory loss.

It was opened by Huncoat ward's Cllr Dave Parkins.

The Mapleford Music Room initative was spearheaded by the home's activities coordinator Ann Southward.

It will host a variety of event including a 1940s-themed gathering.

Ms Southward came up with the idea that residents enjoy a space where all genres of music could be enjoyed by all residents as music is known promote memories, emotions and wellbeing for people living with dementia.

Cllr Parkins said: "The Mapleford Music Room represents our commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents.

"We are immensely grateful to Ann Southward for her vision and creativity.

The room is full of memories. An old piano, a pub bar, a real music theme on the walls with old vinyl records, and a dance floor opening out to the lovely courtyard.

"Ann has done something special.

“I was very pleased to be asked to officially open the Mapleford Music Room and cut the ribbon.”

Also at the opening was Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Hyndburn at the next general election, Graham Jones, who along with Cllr Parkins had visited Mapleford several times to visit their long standing colleague and former councillor Bill Pinder who resided there.

Ms Southward said, “This will be a wonderful space for all to enjoy.

"We’d like to thank Cllr Dave Parkins and Graham Jones for their support in making this dream a reality and we were delighted when they said they would come back and open the new facility."