Celebrity actress Carey Mulligan is calling on Kirklees walkers to help beat dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society ambassador – who visited pensioners at a Bradley luncheon club last year – is appealing for people to put on their walking shoes this month to take part in the Kirklees Memory Walk.

The Hollywood star, who was in Huddersfield last September as she accompanied husband Marcus Mumford ahead of his Greenhead Park gig with band Mumford & Sons, is backing the charity after her own family has been affected by the condition.

The famous couple dropped in at the Friday Friends lunch club at St Bernadette’s Hall the day before the hit band entertained 8,000 fans in the park last September.

The band members made time to entertain the community group with their music – in stark contrast from their usual pianist or storyteller.

The surprise visit was arranged after Marcus’s brother James Mumford had been working with the Huddersfield Deanery Project, which runs the Bradley luncheon club.

James, who works for an organisation offering grants to community projects, asked his brother to surprise the group after they were turned down for a grant.

Carey, who recently starred in the hit film The Great Gatsby, said: “Alzheimer’s Society is a cause very close to my heart as my nan has dementia so I grew up experiencing the effects the condition has on her.

“That’s why I am supporting Memory Walk. It gives us the opportunity to really make a difference to those living with dementia and their carers.

“It is also a great opportunity for the whole family to spend a day out together whilst also raising money for such an important cause. I would encourage everyone to sign up today.”

The star is asking people to give up just a few hours of their time on September 21 to take part in the walk.

It will be the third year running the event – which takes place in Beaumont Park – will have been held to raise vital funds to support the 4,300 people living with dementia in Kirklees.

Registration for the event starts at 12.30pm and the walk will begin at 1.30pm.

To register for the Memory Walk visit memorywalk.org.uk/ Kirklees.