SONGS from the shows, folk melodies and even Beatles numbers are all part of a singing group in Skipton run by the Alzheimer's Society.

Singing for Fun meets twice a month at the Skipton Baptist Church for an hour-and-a-half on Tuesday afternoons.

People of all ages and at all stages of dementia are welcome to the sessions.

This Tuesday, members will be joined by the town's Water Street Primary School Choir.

Families, carers and friends are also welcome to express themselves through singing in an enjoyable and supportive way.

Liz Pratt, a former headteacher who leads the singing, said sessions started with some gentle physical and vocal exercises.

"We then move on to sing from our song books – we have a collection of over 100 songs including show tunes, folk songs and Beatles numbers," she said.

“People are free to join in in whatever way they are able. One gentleman could not manage the words but knew all the tunes which he whistled – fortunately perfectly in tune.”

The group is supported by a team of volunteers who all sing in local choirs.

Sue Jackson, who has been with the group since it began, said: “My father, who had a wonderful baritone voice, developed dementia but could remember tunes until very late in his illness; he would have loved to come to Singing for Fun; I like to feel I’m doing it for him."

She added: “Having a group of singing volunteers means there is a core group of capable singers so no-one need feel they will be exposed if they feel unsure. It also means we can be quite adventurous and sing four part rounds which sound wonderful and give a real sense of achievement.”

The volunteers also bake for tea break, and there is much sharing of recipes.

The group welcomed people at all levels of dementia, added Sue.

“The singing seems to awaken memories in people who have quite advanced illness. I recall one lady, who had seemed quite un-involved, suddenly stood up and became quite animated when we sang a Beatles song. It had obviously unlocked a special memory for her."

Singing for Fun is held at Skipton Baptist Church on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 2pm to 3.30pm. For more information contact the Alzheimer’s Society office on 01423 813463.