AN Altrincham Choir for those living with Dementia has released its debut album

The ‘Vibrant Voices’ are a choir made up of people living with dementia, Parkinsons, stroke survivors and their carers.

The choir was the brainchild of Neil Hughes, the owner of the Cinnamon Club in Altrincham.

It has been running for almost six years, fronted by Clare Morel, the choir leader at the Music Place, a music teaching centre.

The project has been funded by St Peter’s Church in Hale who make a collection for a worthy cause each year.

Clare's contribution to the choir has been recognised with the award of a BBC 'Christmas Star' award from BBC Northwest Tonight.

Clare said; “I wanted to make a recording of these very special people for many reasons. I wanted them to have something to listen to between sessions but mainly I wanted them to hear how wonderful they are.

"Singing is such an incredible tonic for everyone to enjoy no matter what challenges life throws at us.”

Clare also runs ‘Singing for the Brain’ sessions in hospitals, care homes and community centres.

Lucy Howells, from the Music Place, said: “I used to bring my Mum to the choir for many years before she got too poorly to attend. The choir was such an uplifting experience for her and singing really brought her old spark back, it was her favourite part of the week.”

The album has 21 tracks including lots of old classics like Fly me to the Moon, Leaning on a Lamp post, Singing in the Rain, Bring me Sunshine and I could have Danced all Night.

There’s a bonus track from choir member Dorothy Townson who has sung professionally around the world. The album launch took place at the Cinnamon Club on December 14 at the choir’s Christmas party with a six piece live band.