Babergh is aiming to tackle and reduce loneliness among older residents, including those in the Hadleigh area.

The efforts will include a variety of events across the district.

The events are designed to help tackle social isolation in rural communities and will be taking place throughout October.

Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh council cabinet member for people and place, said: "We recognise that social interaction is vital for health and wellbeing.

"It is a sad statistic that, according to Age UK, around four million people aged 65 and over living in England say they feel lonely."

The first event will take place on October 4 at Kingfisher Leisure Centre, in Sudbury, and will include a presentation detailing the life changes of a Suffolk resident diagnosed with early-onset dementia, followed by games with pupils from Thomas Gainsborough School.

The event is led by Silver Sunday, a national campaign focusing on loneliness among older people, first set up in 2012.

Other events will be happening on:

• October 5, at Ansell Momeries Cafe, in Hadleigh.
• October 13, in Eye.
• October 17, at Finborough Court Care Home.
• October 29, at Needham Market Football Club.

These will include anything from a Rock n Roll theme party to sing-alongs and even football matches.

Cllr Saw continued: "Silver Sunday offers us all the chance to show how much we value and appreciate the older generation and all they do for their local communities.

"I'm delighted to see such a variety of celebrations taking place across Babergh, in partnership with some wonderful local groups."