A book charting the history of the Special Olympics has been published.

A Sporting Chance: The History of Special Olympics Great Britain, tells the story of the development of the games in Britain since 1978.

The Special Olympics comes to Leicester next month.

The book, which will be available for £10 from libraries and shops in Leicester, or from De Montfort University, also covers the start of activities for people with learning disabilities in the post-war years.

The book was written by Dr Susan Barton.

Special Olympics GB chief executive officer Karen Wallin said: "This book is a milestone for the organisation and represents the starting point of a wider research project.

"This will look at the games' legacy and it will help to demonstrate the impact the Special Olympics GB programme has, not just for our learning disabled athletes but their families and the wider community."

John Williams, from the sociology department at the University of Leicester, said: "Special Olympics GB has a remarkable story. This book documents the rise of the movement in a way which makes its story exciting and accessible."