A dementia-friendly cinema initiative is celebrating raising £500 for charity this year.

Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey, a local home care company, has reported tremendous success with its dementia-friendly matinees at the Everyman cinema.

Launched earlier this year, these matinees screen classics such as My Fair Lady and Driving Miss Daisy in an environment suitable for over 60s and individuals living with dementia.

Designed to be convenient for the older cinema lover, the lights remain dimmed throughout the screenings so that attendees can feel comfortable moving about as necessary.

The company has organised matinee screenings for the remainder of the year due to the success of the scheme.

The dementia-friendly matinees have seen more than 300 attendees since their launch in February, with the proceedings helping to raise more than £500 for Silver Salisbury.

This local charity aims to alleviate loneliness and isolation by assisting older people to cultivate active participation within their local communities.

Jonathan Gapper, managing director of Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey, said: "We're delighted with how successful our dementia-friendly matinees at the Everyman cinema have been.

"To regularly be welcoming 50-60 people along to each session and seeing the enjoyment watching a classic movie in a comfortable environment brings, is truly wonderful."

Irene Kohler, chair of Silver Salisbury, said: "Thanks to our local community who have really got behind this initiative and made it such a success.

"With over £500 raised in donations, we're so grateful."

Philip Bendall, manager at the Everyman cinema, said: "Being able to host such special matinees in our cinema has been wonderful.

"We now have a full schedule for the rest of the year and look forward to welcoming many more members of our community through the doors."

An upcoming screening is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6 at 1pm at the Everyman Cinema, 17 Endless Street.

The matinee will be Cool Runnings, and all are welcome.

There is no requirement to pre-book, however, priority will be awarded to those living with dementia and their families or carers.

These matinees come with a complimentary tea or coffee and are free to attend.

Charitable donations will be welcome, with all funds given directly to Silver Salisbury.