A student has created a colouring book specifically for dementia sufferers, inspired by his late father.

When Neil Floyd, 47, was just 16 years old his dad Samuel was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Neil became his full time carer.

Ten years ago it was confirmed that his father also had dementia.

In 2013, just three months after his father passed away, Neil began his illustration and animation course at the University Centre at Blackburn College.

As part of his course, he has created ‘My Colourful Memories’, a colouring book for dementia sufferers with outlines of special moments including children being born, family holidays, weddings, former pastimes and hobbies.

Neil, of Union Road, Oswaldtwistle , said: “It has been a personal journey for me.

“When I used to visit my dad we used to sit and colour for hours. It was something we could share.

“Colouring helped me to communicate with my father and gave us something to talk about.

“Some days were good and some days were bad. Some days he didn’t recognise me - but colouring triggered him to remember stories from the past.”

Samuel Floyd

Neil, who lives with his wife Pam and 15-month-old son Mason, admitted that he found it really hard going back into care homes as part of the project, but said he had received really positive feedback from the residents.

He said: “The book is benefiting people. Families and carers are sharing stories prompted by memories triggered by the colouring books.

“It is unique, but it is really my dad’s idea. I think I have created something he would be proud of.”

Neil said the course gave him something positive to focus on.

“The course was therapy for me.

“Creating something I know he would have enjoyed and something others are benefiting from means more to me than marks and results.”

“I don’t want the colouring book to just stay in my folder.

“I want more people to be able to enjoy it.”

Neil’s exhibition of his final project for his course, a stop motion animation to promote awareness for people with dementia, will be shown at Blackburn Cathedral on Wednesday, May 25, before he graduates from the University Centre at Blackburn in the summer.