AN Astley woman is singing the praises of joining a choir after discovering that learning lyrics and melodies can help with memory loss.

Barbara Cartwright had an intense course of chemotherapy two years ago and found that one of the side effects of the treatment was an ongoing problem remembering even the simplest of things.

On a day off from work she made herself some breakfast, forgot to eat it and then wondered why she was so hungry all morning.

Barbara researched how to improve her failing memory and found that learning a new language can help to stimulate the brain.

After deciding to relearn Spanish, she wondered whether learning lyrics together with learning a tune might have the same effect and applied to an advert asking for more singers at Unlimited Voices in Bolton having not sung in a choir since she was at school more than 50 years ago.

Barbara said: “I could swear black was white or that I’d done something only to discover I hadn’t done it after all.

“Everyone in the choir was so friendly and supportive and I am now looking forward to the next concert.

“Singing at the Bridgewater Hall at the beginning of next year will be such a great achievement.”

Unlimited Voices will be performing a collection of chart toppers from the past 50 years in January, and more information is available by visiting unlimitedvoices.uk or by ringing 01609 889005.