A DEMENTIA choir, led by renowned musician and composer Pam Wedgwood, is to start in the West Wight.

Pam, from Freshwater Bay, has written more than 200 books on music and played the French horn and piano professionally for more than 25 years.

She came with the idea after watching the BBC Dementia Choir programme presented by Vikki McClure.

Pam explained: "After watching the programme, I was inspired to see if myself and friends could start something similar in the West Wight.

"As a professional musician, I have seen how being part of a choir can stimulate the brain and give a tremendous feeling of well being.

"Music therapy has a profound effect on helping many conditions, especially those related to memory loss.

"The Choir will start rehearsals on September 11 and it will be held on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 12noon at Freshwater Methodist Church.

"I will assisted by fellow musician Richard Britton and we have a team of volunteers with experience of dementia including Marion Brettell and Kate Hall of Totland Alzheimer Cafe. Carers are welcome to attend and refreshments will be available.

"We hope to raise some funds with a charity concert by my son, Olly and who is playing a Jazz, Swing and Latin concert, as part of the Olly Wedgwood Trio on Saturday, August 3, at Freshwater Memorial Hall. Tickets: £12, children 16 and under £5, available from 754767.