A Witney charity set up to help people with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia marked its 10th anniversary.

Dozens of balloons carrying personal messages were released at Oxford Castle, in New Road, on Tuesday to celebrate the Clive Project's anniversary.

The group helps people who suffer the onset of Alzheimer's early in their life - as well as offering support to their families.

The celebration was addressed by Baroness Susan Greenfield, Professor of Physiology at Oxford University.

Among those marking the occasion was Rachel Faulkner, whose family was helped after her mother, Sandy Billings, was diagnosed with the disease at 55.

Mrs Faulkner said: "There was no support for people with early onset Alzheimer's anywhere and once she was diagnosed it was difficult to know where to turn.

"The Clive Project has been an absolute lifeline really. They offer real physical support with carers but also a lot of mental support in terms of being able to talk to other people and share experiences."

Mrs Billings, who lived in Steeple Aston but was originally from Abingdon, died aged 63 two years ago and her husband, Vaughan, is now a trustee of the charity.

Mrs Faulkner added: "It was very moving, there were lots of people there, sufferers, carers and people involved in the charity. It was a lovely day."

About 180 people have been referred to the charity.

Project chairman Alison Talbot said: "It's brilliant because when we started off, we had a wish list of things we needed to do and we are going through that making sure people have all they need in order to live life well.

"Ten years is a great time to mark that."

For more information about the Clive Project, call 01993 776295, email mail@thecliveproject.org.uk or see thecliveproject.org.uk