A pilot scheme to help carers of people with dementia has started at two care homes in East Yorkshire.

Carers will be able to pre-book regular respite care at the two homes for their charges.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council hopes this will give them the chance to plan breaks for more than a year in advance and to have time to recharge their batteries.

Cllr Richard Harrap, portfolio holder for adults and carer services at the council, said: “Looking after someone with dementia can be extremely challenging and we recognise that, they too, need our care and support.

"The idea came out of the consultation with carers who said they didn’t feel they were able to plan respite breaks in advance as they facilities were not available."

Bessingby Hall care home, Bridlington, and Sandhall Park care home in Goole are the two homes taking part and have beds available to anyone with dementia who has a social care assessment and who is eligible for residential respite care.

The council estimates more than 5,000 people in East Yorkshire have been diagnosed as having dementia and many more who have not been diagnosed.

The scheme will be evaluated after a year and follows consultations between the council's adult social care team, people with dementia and their carers over ways to help them live at home for longer.