A resident at a care home in Little Hulton has been reunited with his love of chess bringing back a 64-year bond.

Known fondly as Billy, 69-year-old William Unsworth moved into Kenyon Lodge on Manchester Road West in 2022 following a fall at his home.

Buying into his passion for chess, staff at the home made use of an interactive sensory table to get him engaged with the world again.

Introduced to the game by a neighbour at the age of five, Billy’s enthusiasm for chess saw him winning trophies at tournaments countrywide.

A stroke, however, aged 32, led to the loss of feeling in his left arm resulting in declining health and consequently, his switch to online chess.

Upon his move to Kenyon Lodge, Billy spent a lot of his time in solitary, unwilling to socialise.

A turn-around of events saw the Kenyon Lodge community rallying up funds through a sponsored skydive to get an interactive sensory table that holds many games, puzzles, music and more.

Taking note of Billy's love for chess from the many chess books lying around his room, one of the staff installed a chess app on the table and invited him to play.

Billy took up the offer and soon found his passion for the game reigniting while he partakes in online tournaments, and teaches his friends about the game's rules.

Delighted by Billy's talent, the staff suggested a trip to Eccles Community Chess Club.

Here, Billy was reunited with old friends, spending hours reminiscing.

Shaun Morrisey, home manager at Kenyon Lodge, said: "It was amazing to see Billy reunited with his friends.

"Chess played such a big part of his life, so it’s really great that we can help him to reconnect with the game, whilst spending time with old friends."

Billy added: "I am really grateful to the staff at Kenyon Lodge, but especially Kirsty and Nadeem for taking me to the club.

"I’ve been asked to take part in an upcoming tournament which I am really looking forward to – it’s like the good old days again."

Kenyon Lodge, managed by Abbey Healthcare group, is a 60-bed residential home with a solid "good" rating from the Care Quality Commission.