As we reported last week, train operator Northern is now running dementia-friendly train services on the scenic Esk Valley line in North East England.

The first ‘Forget Me Not’ service ran between Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast and Middlesborough in Teesside yesterday (Wednesday 19 March).

The Esk Valley line runs through rural communities in the moors, and follows the route of the River Esk for much of its eastern section.

The stations en route are James Cook, Marton, Gypsy Lane, Nunthorpe, Great Ayton, Battersby, Kildale, Commondale, Castleton Moor, Danby, Lealholm, Glaisdale, Egton, Grosmont, Sleights and Ruswarp.

The trains are open to all passengers, but have particular features to make them comfortable for people with dementia, enabling them to socialise in a safe and relaxing environment. Passengers are provided with live music, picnics and hand massages.

The Friends of Nunthorpe Station adoption group travelled on yesterday’s train, knitting twiddle muffs.

These are hand muffs designed to provide tactile and sensory stimulation for people who have dementia or who are distressed. They often include attachments such as buttons, ribbons and beads for wearers to ‘twiddle’.

Passengers also received homemade biscuits given out by volunteers.

Northern will run further dementia-friendly services are scheduled to run on the same route on Wednesdays, 21 May, 16 July and 17 September.

Passengers can buy tickets for the dementia-friendly services at station ticket officers, from ticket vending machines at stations, or on Northern’s website. Holders of Disabled Railcard holders and their carers can buy discounted tickets.

Lisa Williams, General Manager of Esk Valley Railway Development Company, had the idea of running the ‘Forget-Me-Not Trains’ for passengers with dementia.

“We welcomed the chance to run these special services so people with dementia can enjoy a day out in some beautiful scenery.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere on board and our staff are already looking forward to the next service.

“We will also continue to work with carers, support groups and charities to make it easier for people with dementia to travel on services and stations across our network.”

Jason Wade, regional director for Northern