A CARE home in Ascot is inviting the local community to join residents in celebrating National Poetry Day next month.

Larkland House Care Home, in London Road, will be holding a special open afternoon on Thursday, October 4 and is inviting members of the public to join them for word play and rhyming fun.

National Poetry Day is an annual celebration that inspires people throughout the UK to enjoy, discover and share poems.

Residents and guests at Larkland House will be celebrating the day by reading a number of their favourite poems and rhymes aloud, creating their own short verses and poems, and taking part in Care UK's nationwide poetry competition.

Home manager Shawndell Barker 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, inspiring 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.”