Actor and broadcaster Tony Robinson spoke passionately about the need for more support for dementia sufferers and their families as he officially opened a new housing complex in Bradford yesterday.

He was at the Rowanberries Extra Care Housing Scheme in Clayton to see at first hand the new housing complex which has been specially designed for dementia sufferers.

Bradford Council, Methodist Homes Housing Association and Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust have developed the scheme, working with the Alzheimer's Society, for which Mr Robinson is an ambassador.

He took on the role after his own parents became dementia sufferers.

Mr Robinson, probably best known for his TV role as Baldrick in Blackadder and his archaeology programme Time Team, explained the difficulties he faced caring for parents with dementia.

"I feel very strongly after going through this experience because I was an only child, caring for my parents, both of whom had dementia," he said.

"We had a great responsibility for looking after them, although we did not have the information that is required to care for them properly.

"It was always a great struggle which it shouldn't have been.

"It puts a great strain on families and so to put structures like this in place to make not just the lives of the people with Alzheimer's, but the lives of the people who care for them, easier is vital because these are just as important.

"Another thing is, every elderly person is different, just like everybody in the world is different and the good thing here is everybody gets their own care package."

Towards the end of his passionate presentation, he declared: "You here are very lucky, but you shouldn't have to be very lucky."

The Rowanberries, which opened at the end of last month, provides specialist accommodation for older people and dementia sufferers, including couples where one has the condition.

The scheme has proved so popular that it was full within two weeks of opening.

Resident Winnie Henny, 83, who has lived in Bradford all her life, said: "We moved in here two weeks ago on the Sunday, and my husband, who was 65, died on the Wednesday - well, he was so poorly.

"But I'm good in here and I know it is a home that I can be proud of - it is very nice."

Ten of its 46 apartments are set aside for people with dementia. The apartments are a mixture of rented, shared ownership and full purchase. There is also a 24-hour care team on site.

A 15-place day centre will provide specialist care for adults with early age on-set dementia, as well as those with higher levels of care needs.

Councillor Martin Smith, the Council's executive member for adult social care, said: "This scheme is an extremely welcome one for those affected by dementia with facilities and technology to protect residents and provide reassurance for their families."

Mr Robinson made a Channel 4 documentary earlier this year called Me and My Mum in which he followed the last days of his mum, Phyllis.

In signing off at the opening, he joked: "I'm a bit jealous to be fair, I think I'm going to put my name down."

e-mail: james.rush @bradford.newsquest.co.uk