A council is hoping a documentary film will inspire older residents to take up their ping-pong bats and play.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s ping pong care campaign aims to get more elderly residents playing table tennis to keep active and have fun.

As part of the campaign documentary film Ping Pong, which follows eight octogenarians taking part in the over-80’s World Table Tennis Championships, is being shown at community centres, sheltered housing, residential villages, care homes, day centres and some cinemas.

A free ping pong event on teaching sport to older people was held on Wednesday at Hove Town Hall.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the economic development and culture committee, said: “It’s a sport anyone can have a go at and I hope this event encourages people to have a try for themselves, whatever their age or ability. Maybe we’ll uncover some hidden talent in the city.”