A North East charity supporting people living with dementia and their carers is urging people to register on Northumbria Police's Safe and Found Online system.

The digital platform, which Northumbria Police began using in July, assists in the swift location of missing individuals.

It allows for the immediate online updating of information, replacing the previous paper-based Herbert Protocol.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, expressed her hope that more organisations would follow Silverline Memories' lead in promoting the initiative.

Ms Dungworth said: "I know what it’s like when someone you love is living with dementia.

"This system gives a bit of reassurance to family and friends that our police can act fast in their search should they ever go missing.

"It can be a real time-saver and it takes the Herbert Protocol to the next level.

"It brings great peace of mind to relatives and could save lives.”

Sandra Coulter, chief executive of Silverline Memories, which supports around 200 people across the North East, said: "It is impossible to overstate the fear and anxiety that is experienced when someone with dementia goes missing and we are grateful to be working with Northumbria Police to raise awareness of this invaluable initiative."

To register for Safe and Found Online, visit https://safeandfoundonline.co.uk/register.php.