A fundraising partnership is making a difference in the fight against dementia.

Dobbies Garden Centres has raised £235,000 in the first year of its national charity partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, with the Beaconsfield branch contributing £1,380.

Funds were raised through charity events and staff-led activities.

Paul Gibson, general manager at Dobbies in Beaconsfield, said: "We truly appreciate everything our colleagues and customers have done to support our partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK over the past year and would like to thank everyone for their involvement.

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"From charity initiatives in-store and our dedicated Christmas Shopping Night to colleague fundraising challenges, we’ve come together to make a real difference."

The partnership supports the charity’s Think Brain Health campaign, which promotes the benefits of gardening for brain health.

Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "Almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK, and this number is predicted to reach 1.4 million by 2040.

"Alzheimer’s Research UK exists to change that.

"We are incredibly proud to work with Dobbies.

"This partnership is helping us share the message of brain health while raising vital funds to help end the heartbreak of dementia."

A national programme with micro-donation charity Pennies also raised more than £69,000 through optional 25p donations at Dobbies tills.

Further fundraising events are planned for the year ahead.