A Bury St Edmunds care home is inviting the community to join residents in celebrating National Poetry Day next week.

Glastonbury Court care home will open its doors on Thursday, October 4, from 2.30pm-4pm, as residents and guests will read a number of their favourite poems and rhymes aloud.

In preparation for the event, residents at the Care UK home are also being encouraged to put to pen to paper to create their very own short verses and poems, as part of the provider’s nationwide poetry competition.

Sharlene Van Tonder, home manager at Glastonbury Court, said: “We’re joining in with National Poetry Day this year to promote the enjoyment, discovery and sharing of poetry across all age groups.

“Everyone has a favourite poem which has inspired them at some point in their life, and we want to encourage people in the local community to come together and share their favourites – or perhaps even some that they have written themselves.

“Reading poems, or being read to, can have many therapeutic benefits, especially for older people, including increasing social interaction, encouraging creativity and reducing anxiety.

“Poetry can even stimulate memories, encouraging reminiscence, which is incredibly beneficial for older people, particularly those living with dementia.

“We are really looking forward to hosting our National Poetry Day event, and hope the local community will join us for a day of rhyming fun.”