SOUTH Cumbrian fans of Emmerdale have praised the show for its sensitive portrayal of dementia in last night's moving episode.

Former vicar Ashley Thomas, played by John Middleton, has stroke-related early onset vascular dementia and Tuesday night's episode was based entirely from his perspective.

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Viewers got to understand what Ashley sees through his eyes as clever camera angles and editing showed his confused point of view as he left the hospital and made his way out on to the streets alone.

The usual actors who play Laurel Thomas and Marlon Dingle were replaced by unfamiliar faces to show his struggle to recognise friends and loved ones.

Fiona Cloherty, chair of the Barrow Dementia Action Alliance, said: "I found it quite heartbreaking. The more I'm getting to know and understand dementia the more it feels very real.

"It's a real insight into how people must feel and with for somebody."

On Facebook, Evening Mail readers said the tearful episode portrayed a strong message.

Janette Armstrong said: "I thought it was really good how they used different actors to play the parts. Really eye-opening episode."

Jenny Fones said: "Anything that highlights families that care or the issues that victims of this dreadful disease go through is a good thing."

During the episode, Ashley said to himself: "Where was I going? Was I visiting someone? Yes, that was it. No. I was leaving."

As he walked through a door and headed outside, he said: "This is the way. Yes. This must be the way. This is the way home."

Viewers saw him walking down the street in his pyjamas as he said: "Keep going. It's all right. I can find it. I can get home."

Emmerdale producers have worked closely with both the Alzheimer's Society and Methodist Homes throughout the storyline.

Twitter reaction