HUNDREDS of older people in York will be able to take part in a stimulating music project thanks to a £68,252 award from the Big Lottery Fund.

City of York Council has been given the two-year grant to roll out the Musical Connections Project - currently in seven elderly person’s homes - to sheltered housing accommodation and local communities.

The weekly musical sessions are valuable social opportunities and give residents chance to learn new sonds and styles, help write songs and play percussion.

A visiting artist programme will also help residents to explore other art forms such as textiles and wall hangings.

Pat Mapplebeck, a resident of Haxby Hall Elderly Person’s Home, has been attending Musical Connections sessions for more than three years.

She said: “It’s made a lot of difference to me. I lived on my own after losing my husband, and then I moved in here – it was a case of having to – and the way things turned out, it’s been a blessing. When I can get to the music events, it makes a lot of difference – I enjoy it, and also the connection with the school.”