A Suffolk care home welcomed the community for a celebration of poetry - including a recital of original work by one of its residents.

Peggy Courteen, 84, and her poem The Tale of the Teddies took centre stage during World Poetry Day at Mills Meadow in Framlingham.

Residents spent the day reading, writing and sharing their favourite poems to mark the occasion.

Manager Marie Reeve said: “Our World Poetry Day celebration is a great example of how activity based care at Mills Meadow supports residents to continue enjoying their passions and hobbies. It is remarkable to see how reading poetry aloud can really bring people together and put a smile on the faces of everyone.

“For older people living with dementia, somebody reading aloud to them – whether it be a poem or short story – can have many therapeutic benefits due to its calming nature. We had a wonderful time celebrating all things poetry with the people of Framlingham and would like to say a big thank you to Peggy for sharing her poem with all of us here, she really did make the day extra special for everyone.”

Poetry reading and writing is among 100 activities for people with dementia featured in Care UK’s free ‘As easy as ABC’ guidebook.

Visit Care UK’s website to download the guide.