St Albans Choral Society is marking its 70th anniversary and has planned a special performance as part of its year-long celebrations.

The performance, entitled Songs of Praise, is themed around St David’s Day and includes a variety of popular hymns intended for audience participation.

Alongside the main choir is the society’s singing group, which has been busy bringing sunshine into the lives of music lovers who may not be able to attend the performance.

The group of 12 members has been performing a host of popular songs for elderly residents at care homes and retirement accommodation all over St Albans.

Colin Dunkerley, singing group organiser, says: “Our audiences in some of the care homes have included people with dementia for whom familiar songs are very therapeutic. One of the carers said to me it had made her day to see how some of the residents’ faces had lit up when we started singing. It makes it all worth while.“

The repertoire includes World War One songs, which often have residents singing along.

“It has all gone down very well,“ says Colin, 60, from St Albans, who helped kick-start the group last year.

He continues: “It is doing something good for older people, but also for an enjoyment of singing. It is brightening people’s lives and bringing some happiness to our senior citizens.“

The group is busy planning more visits to care homes in St Albans, and the surrounding area.

Songs of Praise, Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans, Sunday, March 1, 4.30pm. Details: 07884 231958, choralsociety.com