Residents at a Mitcham care home received a surprise visit from The Royal Albert Hall’s resident ensemble.

Albert's Band, which are part of the hall’s education and outreach programme, performed a special concert, the Royal Albert Hall Songbook, to residents and their relatives at Cumberland care home in Whitford Gardens.

The interactive concert aims to explore the vast musical history of the Hall, with the band performing well known hits by Dame Vera Lynn, Sir Tom Jones, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. Residents were also treated to a selection of festive songs, and a book containing the words to all of the songs and photos of the artists.

Mariana Motocu, home manager at Cumberland, said: “After reading about all the great work that Albert’s Band were doing in the community, we knew we had to invite them to Cumberland.

"We were delighted to host Albert’s Band – their performance was fantastic and enjoyed by everyone.”

“Music can bring back many happy memories for residents, and studies show it has beneficial effects on the wellbeing of older people, such as lifting their mood, reducing anxiety and encouraging reminiscence.

"We’d like to say a big thank you to Albert’s Band for visiting us - everyone had such a fantastic time singing and dancing along to the performance and it certainly put us in the festive spirit.”