TWO councils are to work together to create "centres of excellence" for older residents needing help with dementia.

Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council have signed an agreement to develop key services for older and vulnerable people.

It aims to establish centres of excellence for dementia sufferers requiring support and respite care.

County Councillor Matthew Ellis said: "There are serious inequalities between care and support available in the north and south of Staffordshire that need to be addressed.

"We have the opportunity to push the boundaries of how we care for older people."

The county is responsible for social care, while the district council is in charge of planning and housing.

Staffordshire already has 413 ExtraCare places, which provide specialist housing for older people with a range of care needs, and a further 597 in the pipeline.

The county's FlexiCare vision will see an enhanced ExtraCare package that includes provision for people with more demanding needs.

District council leader Sybil Ralphs said: "This pioneering partnership will secure the best possible care for vulnerable older people while ensuring they continue to enjoy independent lives in a supportive environment."