The UKs first – and, nowadays, oft-forgotten – social network, Friends Reunited has relaunched, with a new focus, and a mobile-optimised site. The site, which is currently in beta, is accompanied by iPhone- and iPad-optimised versions, with an Android version following shortly.

The shift in focus brings the site closer to other sites from online publishing group brightsolid, including Find My Past, and its British Newspaper Acrhive, to provide users with a digital scrapbook of images and listings of places and events – from the Silver Jubilee to Live Aid – to discuss, share and generally get a bit misty-eyed over.

The site will enable brands, meanwhile, to develop a presence on the site similar to Facebooks business Pages, with the option to upgrade to a brand box package – with added functionality, including embedded video and music players and catalogue viewers.

“Brands are increasingly emphasising their rich history as a way to gain trust and loyalty in a recessionary market,” says Chris van der Kuyl, brightsolid CEO. “As a company built on nostalgia, we will be in a great place to offer brands a way to exhibit this heritage in a visually compelling and entertaining way.”

The relaunch will be followed by free iOS and Android apps over the coming months.