RESIDENTS from a Saltash care home are hoping to break into the top 40 with a record to be released in spring.

The singers from St Anne's have joined the Anchor Community Band which is made up of residents and staff from Anchor care homes and retirement properties across Cornwall and Plymouth, and several weeks of rehearsals begin today.

The lyrics of the song See Yourself were shaped by answers to questionnaires completed by older people from all over Britain about their life experiences.

Anchor well-being manager Carl Martin used the responses as a basis for the song which 'celebrates older people's achievements', says band member Audrey Masztalerz, of Saltash.

'The song is so powerful because the words reflect the life experiences of older people across the country. I hope lots of people buy the record because it's a true celebration of older people's achievements,' said Audrey, 87.

Audrey, who has been singing since she was a child, continued: 'The real work starts now. We've got a few weeks of rehearsals before we look to record the song. We've invited people living in Anchor properties across the region to take part so it's going to be fun.'

All money raised from sales of the record will go to the charity Contact the Elderly which aims to combat the loneliness and social isolation faced by many older people aged over 75 who live alone.

Volunteer hosts hold free, monthly Sunday tea parties in their own homes for older people, with drivers collecting and accompanying the guests to the events.