Dementia patients in Cornwall will be able to take a therapeutic trip down memory lane thanks to a diverse collection of items from the past.

Cigarette cards, ration books and even old Action Man comics are among the items in 30 memory boxes donated to the Royal Cornwall Hospital (RCH).

The boxes are used to stimulate distant memories of sufferers and help them reminisce about their past.

The gift came from Rotarians Easing Problems of Dementia (REPoD), which was started six years ago in Devon by members of the organisation who had experience of caring for someone with dementia or specialist knowledge in the area.

Geri Parlby, president of the Tavistock Rotary Club and chairman of REPoD, said the boxes had proved a great resource.

"Dementia throws up more practical problems than any other medical condition.

"Our mission is to increase awareness, both among Rotarians and in the wider community."

Wendy Burnett, clinical nurse specialist for older people services at RCHT, was delighted with the donation: "These memory boxes will really benefit patients who suffer from dementia and act as a fantastic stimulant for them," she said.