A COUPLE are promoting their love of music to help older people combat isolation and loneliness.

Neil and Ruth Hannah, from Huttons Ambo, run Musical Memories, which provides a fun, social singing session accompanied by live music.

The couple are also running a programme of Happy Hour sessions in Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley and Pickering.

Ruth said: "Our aims are to reach out to everyone regardless of musical ability, mobility difficulties or physical limitations and in this way we hope to promote social inclusion, improve local connections and increase happiness and wellbeing.

"We have been doing some free 'taster' sessions at Ryecourt, Helmsley and Sturdy Court in Kirkbymoorside to encourage residents to join us and we already do voluntary work for RVS and Church Lunch Clubs and others.

"The service that we provide helps to keep older people connected to their communities and combats isolation and loneliness. Singing together has been proven to reduce stress and improve general health and wellbeing - it makes you feel good."

Ruth said they received no funding to run these sessions but were totally convinced of their benefit.

"Studies have shown that singing together can boost levels of immunity, reduce stress and improve mood and memory leading to a positive impact on overall health and well-being."

"Our numbers have grown and grown steadily since we started a year ago at RVS Pickering and our feedback has been fantastic.

"We are working with other charities and groups to get around the problem of transport and we are currently looking for funding - any help would be gratefully received.

"Musical Memories Happy Hour is the perfect opportunity to get together in a social setting, have a cuppa, reminisce, make new friends and sing."

The Autumn programme includes sessions at Pickering RVS each Monday, Kirkbymooride Moorside Room on Tuesdays and Helmsley Arts Centre on Wednesdays. Each session runs from 11am to 12noon with a voluntary contribution of £2 including refreshments.

For more information contact Ruth Hannah on 07527 006402.