Apex Chess Club and U3A Chess Club, in Bury St Edmunds, help to keep members' brains active

Chess clubs in Bury St Edmunds are leading the way in helping to delay the onset of dementia.

Members of the weekly Apex Chess Club and U3A Chess Club are keeping their brains active by playing the game.

Karen Soons, Suffolk county councillor Thingoe south division, visited the Apex Chess Club for a lesson in Castling from Bob Jones and to hear members talk about the benefits of playing chess.

She said: “Developing cognitive skills while playing chess could help to delay the onset of dementia. We should all be doing everything we can to keep our brains and bodies active whatever our age.

“Thanks to Bob for improving my cognitive function through chess today.”

Bob, who also runs the Bury Knights Junior Chess Club, said: "Most of us are retired and we all love playing chess as it keeps our minds active.

"Chess is a serious game, but there's always plenty of chatter between games and there is a friendly atmosphere."

Matt Hancock MP, Health Secretary, said: “ Social activities, such as chess, can be beneficial in a variety of ways.

“We need a change so as to incorporate social prescribing in the range of options available to our medical professionals. As well as being great fun, the evidence increasingly shows that chess, along with music and singing, help keep the mind active and ultimately can play a part in stemming the onset of dementia.”

The Apex Chess Club meets in the upper bar on Tuesdays from 3.30-5.30pm, and the U3A (University of the Third Age) Chess Club meets on Mondays at 10am.

Both groups welcome new members.