Reminiscence groups encouraging people with dementia and mental health issues to share sporting memories are launching in six of the county's libraries.

Bosses are teaming up with the Sporting Memories Network to host a series of reminiscence groups next month at libraries based in Lowestoft, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Newmarket, Sudbury and Stowmarket.

Guests will be able to enjoy a wide range of quizzes and games while handling memorabilia and images sourced from regional and national collections.

Sessions are open to everyone over the age of 50, but those with dementia and mental health issues are especially welcome, chiefs said.

Project manager Richard Hunt said: 'Sport is a powerful medium for many people, providing memories of great games, sporting legends and marvellous victories, but also the friendships made and the sense of community that playing or watching sports brings.

'Talking about sporting events and cultures of the time helps to give people their identity back and reconnect them to the people and generations around them.

'We think libraries are the perfect place to bring people together to form new groups in Suffolk and we hope people will come forward to find out more.'

Sessions will cover all kinds of sport, though organisers anticipate that Ipswich Town will be a popular topic – particularly as 2018 marks 40 years since the team took home the FA Cup.

Groups will be officially launched on February 6 at Ipswich County Library, with Suffolk sporting ambassadors attending to share stories with guests.

James Powell, communications manager at Suffolk Libraries, said: 'We are delighted to be working with Sporting Memories in 2018.

'Sport has touched all of our lives at some time, either at school, as an activity, spectator, or in our leisure time.

'Using the Sporting Memories collections and resources are an excellent way to reconnect with those experiences, bring friends together and have fun.'

In the run up to the launch, volunteers are being sought to help run and support the sessions.

Those who are interested in applying should visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/events-activities/volunteer-for-sporting-memories