PEOPLE living with dementia, their carers and volunteer workers will be heard across the country on BBC radio next month.

Sing Hallelujah is the culmination of BBC Radio 3’s yearlong celebration of four composers, including Handel. This year is the 250th anniversary of his death and Radio 3 has asked amateurs and professional singing groups from anywhere in the UK to hold concerts and to perform the Hallelujah Chorus to celebrate the anniversary.

Julia Burton, home and community support co-ordinator for the Salisbury branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, heard about the event on the radio and decided to enter the society’s Singing for the Brain groups.

The charity runs three singing groups, in Tisbury, Amesbury and West Harnham, for people with dementia. The programme is designed for those with memory problems associated with dementia.

Julia said: “We say it can be a joy to sing, but it’s also a workout for the mind. When other parts of the memory appear to be fading, we work on the preservation of musical memory. Our methods help with articulation, concentration and focus. It gives people a more positive view of life and a valuable peer support group.

Radio 3 presenter Amy Wheel saw the Alzheimer’s Society’s groups had entered and asked if she could record their rehearsal for her radio show.

The crew turned up to record the rehearsal, which will be aired on December 6 on BBC 3’s Choir programme, on Thursday but not everyone from the three groups could make it. For many, the first time they will meet members of the other groups will be the performance at St George’s Hall in West Harnham on December 17.

Julia said: “It’s beginning to sound really lovely and it’s really coming together.”