Residents at Ashgrove House in Purton, near Swindon, joined Age Concern Wiltshire’s Big 60 Challenge and raised cash for them by raising their voices in song.

The residents, helped by activities staff, compiled a list of 50 songs spanning the last 100 years, the lifetime of at least two of the women living in the home.

These were printed out and compiled into a set of large-print books.

Sponsor forms were pinned up around the home and were quickly filled with cash pledges.

On the day residents gathered in the lounge and the marathon began, accompanied by 81-year-old pianist Margaret Ryan, who had been drafted in by her daughter, Jill Ryan Browne, an activities assistant at the home.

Mrs Ryan Browne said: “The aim was to sing all the songs within an hour – quite a task given the age and infirmity of most of the residents.

“Activities organiser Hilary Grout came up with the extra challenge of singing 60 songs to match the 60th anniversary of Age Concern Wiltshire.

“Towards the end the group found themselves singing action songs such as Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and long forgotten nursery rhymes.

“The target was reached and even exceeded, and everyone cheered.”

The sponsor money amounted to £140, more than double the target the residents had set themselves.

Mrs Ryan Browne added: “This was a thoroughly enjoyable event – quite hard work all things considered – but very worthwhile.

“And, of course, the songbooks are an ongoing resource which can be used as part of the home’s activity programme, aimed at giving residents purposeful and enjoyable activities, keeping them mentally and physically active.”

Age Concern Wiltshire is now more than halfway to its target of raising £60,000 during its 60th anniversary year, which will continue until its annual Shrove Tuesday pancake races on February 16.

Anyone who would like to organise a fundraising event for the Big 60 Challenge should contact Belinda Fowler at Age Concern Wiltshire on (01380) 727767.