A BRANCH of the Sauchie Community Group Choir has been recognised for bringing entertainment, music and joy to people living with dementia.

Thank You for the Music singers have been sharing their talents and spreading happiness through their work with Beechwood Park and Hillview Court care homes.

They were presented with a certificate from writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson during an event at Dunblane Cathedral which was attended by more than 200 people.

Craig Miller, Sauchie Community Group manager and co-founding member of Thank You for the Music, was delighted with the presentation.

He said: "I was so pleased to receive the certificate from Sally Magnusson and the Presbytery of Stirling for the efforts of our choir to bring some happiness into the lives of residents living with dementia.

"The care homes that we work with, Beechwood and Hillview in Sauchie, are doing wonderful things with the residents and I am so grateful that they have allowed us to play a small part.

"We do not sing at the resident, but rather sing with them. It is so rewarding to see them sing along, clap, tap their feet and generally have a good time enjoying the music.

"Music has proven to have a positive impact on those living with dementia and although it is not a cure, it can be a help to trigger memories.

"I would encourage others to get involved in this worthwhile, rewarding cause. Our choir meets every Wednesday at 7pm in Sauchie Resource Centre."

The Thank You for the Music group started after a collaboration between Sauchie Community Group Choir and Bonnie McDowell from the Church of Scotland, which saw them get together to take the singers to local care homes every week to sing old time favourites to residents who are living with dementia.

The music ranges from Scottish folk music, musical theatre, film hits, church songs, war time classics and everything in between.

Music is said to have a positive impact on those living with dementia due to its ability to access different parts of the brain and it can trigger happy memories.

Mrs Magnusson founded Playlist for Life, a dementia charity which aims to helps people through music.

For those recently diagnosed with dementia, crafting a playlist can be a positive way to capture memories through music.

Music can also help manage symptoms, strengthen relationships with loved ones and restore a sense of self at times when the disease feels too much.

Playlist for Life offers practical support to help those wishing to reconnect through old songs.

There is even a section on their website where families who are struggling for money can request an MP3 player.

For more information, visit playlistforlife.org.uk