MORE than 100 singers from the Alzheimer's Society's Singing for the Brain groups came together at Chelmsford Cathedral to sing their hearts out to celebrate Dementia Awareness Week.

The singers, who hail from all across Essex, opened the concert with a rousing version of Singing for the Brain - sung to the tune of Singing in the Rain - and closed with Eric and Ernie's Bring Me Sunshine.

The theme of the week was 'confronting dementia' and the singers hoped to demonstrate that the sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner it is possible to seek help and be examples to others of how it is possible to continue living your life and to get a lot out of life with dementia.

Tina Kierman, Alzheimer's Society Operations Manager for Essex, said: "We were absolutely thrilled that all the people who come to our Singing for the Brain groups across Essex were able to join together and sing at our concert for Dementia Awareness Week.

"It was the most uplifting and moving experience and I'd like to thank Chelmsford Cathedral for giving us this opportunity and to our wonderful volunteers and staff.

"I would also like to thank all our singers and their carers who demonstrated that is really is possible to live well with dementia, a message that I hope will continue to resonate.

"For anyone in Essex who is concerned about their memory, or would like to find out more about dementia, please contact 01245 260 911.

"I would also like to thank everyone who came to the concert and joined in with the singing, and also to all the Mayors and Councillors who made a pledge on behalf of their council to help us make Essex more dementia- friendly.

"Alzheimer's Society will be working with the Essex councils over the next few months to support them in delivering that pledge."