A CHARITY that has singing and smiling at its heart is launching fun daytime sessions for older people in Silsden this month.

Golden-Oldies, which was started by West Country musician Grenville Jones eight years ago, will hold its first session in the town on October 29.

Grenville is well known for his work with choirs – in particular the famous Bath Male Choir, which reached the finals of the BBC’s Last Choir Standing competition.

He first launched 'Goldies', as it is also known, with four fun daytime singing and activity sessions in and around the Bath area.

Since then, the initiative has expanded, and by the end of this year it is expected to feature 38 dedicated session leaders taking 140 groups across England and Wales.

Commenting on the impending launch of a programme of singing gatherings in Silsden, Grenville explained this was really a case of "coming home", as his parents both originated from the Bradford area.

The Rev Ruth Crompton, minister at Silsden Methodist Church, found out about the charity from her friend Anne Griffiths, who leads Goldies in Staffordshire.

Ruth said: “We all know there are so many older people who lead lonely lives. There are few opportunities to get out and meet other people and singing is such good therapy."

Silsden Methodist Church will host the first local meeting of Goldies from 2pm until 3pm and everyone is welcome to attend.