Surprise Christmas choir delights care home residents in Wrexham.

A volunteer Hallé Ancoats Community Choir travelled from Manchester to sing traditional carols at Penybryn and Highfield care homes in Wrexham as part of Pendine Park's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Residents at Penybryn and Highfield care homes in Wrexham were surprised this Christmas by a volunteer choir from Manchester. Twenty members of the Hallé Ancoats Community Choir travelled to sing traditional carols at the two Pendine Park homes. The visits formed part of Pendine Park's 40th anniversary celebrations. Pendine Park began in 1985 and now operates nine homes across Wrexham and Caernarfon. Key details: - Twenty members of the Hallé Ancoats Community Choir performed at Penybryn and Highfield, accompanied by Hallé orchestra members violinist Caroline Abbott and cellist David Petri. - The choir sang familiar Christmas pieces including Silent Night, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and In the Bleak Midwinter. - Conductor Stuart Overington described the visits to the two homes at Christmas as "wonderful," according to reporting. - Resident Emma Barber said the traditional choral singing transported her back to her schooldays and nativity concerts. - The visits built on an existing relationship between the Hallé and Pendine Park, which has included workshops and regular music sessions. Summary: The performances lifted spirits and prompted memories among residents, highlighting the role of live music in the care homes' enrichment programme. Undetermined at this time.