A NEW retro video games night hopes to tackle mental health issues in men.

Fearnhead Community Association has set up a monthly gaming event featuring classic Nintendo, Playstation, Sega and Atari titles.

And it is hoped that the games night, held on the last Wednesday of every month at Fearnhead Cross Community and Youth Centre, will help to reduce mental health problems among men in the area.

FCA chairman Phill Beckett said: “I have a friend who is having issues with depression, and when I’ve been chatting with him it really seemed to help him - just talking.

“I thought it would be nice if there was somewhere that people could go to where they could just hang out and talk.

“Everyone seems to know a guy who has had issues with depression or other mental health problems.

“We want that to be in the background, but mainly it is about having fun and getting men together to play retro games.

“This is a place where you can just hang out, drink tea and play video games.”

The first retro gaming night - held from 7pm at the Insall Road community centre in partnership with Warrington Borough Council, the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation, Manbassadors and ward councillors - took place in February featuring Space Invaders and Tekken tournaments.

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Harry’s Razors and Toyota have also backed the scheme by providing prizes for video game competition winners.

Phil added: “People seem to really like the idea, and everybody who came to the first event really enjoyed it.

“We had 19 people at the launch event, and we may well see more at the next events with different challenges every month.

“It’s just a lot of fun.”

For more information or if you have a retro games you wish to showcase, email fearnheadca@gmail.com.