Regulars at Carlton Bingo Club, in York Road, Hartlepool, were treated to a visit from town MP Iain Wright on Friday.

Mr Wright took the microphone to call the numbers during a charity game set up to highlight the brain-boosting benefits of games like bingo and to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

The bingo hall teamed up with the charity as part of Alzheimer's Awareness Week, which ended on Saturday.

Mr Wright said: "Meeting the players and staff and having the chance to raise some money for the Alzheimer's Society was a great way of highlighting impact of dementia on families throughout Hartlepool.

"Dementia affects thousands of people every year and can be devastating for those left to care for their loved ones during the most difficult of times.

"Hopefully, through initiatives like this, we can develop a greater understanding of dementia and do more for those people diagnosed and their friends and families."

John Cowlishaw, manager of Carlton Hartlepool, said: "Players and staff at Carlton, Hartlepool, were delighted that Iain Wright was able to join us for this special event.

"Research shows that taking part in activities like bingo exercises the mind, boosts your brain power and can stave off the onset of dementia."

He added: "The response of our players to the charity game was excellent and I know that many of them were only too pleased to see their local MP up their calling the numbers in support of this important cause."