A Croydon choir got the opportunity of a lifetime this week as they were invited to perform at Buckingham Palace.

But this isn't any ordinary choir.

The 'Singing for the Brain’ group is made up of people affected by dementia.

George Smith, along with his wife Dot, have been part of the choir since 2015, just after she was diagnosed with dementia.

Mr Smith said performing in front of 350 at the palace won't be something either of them forgets any time soon.

"It was one of the best moments of my life," he said.

"It felt amazing to be standing side by side with Dot, and all our friends, singing for Princess Alexandra in such a special setting – we even got a standing ovation.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for us – one that neither of us will be able to forget in a hurry.

"Dementia is a progressive condition so Dot is increasingly struggling to remember things that happen each day but I hope she’ll never forget the feeling we shared together up on that stage.”

Peter Edwards leads the Croydon choirs sessions at St Matthew’s Church and said it was an honour to be part of the "magical event."

“Our sessions give people like George and Dot an opportunity to live well with dementia by building self-esteem and sharing experiences with people who understand the issues surrounding the condition," he said.

"I’ve seen people who are barely able to speak, transformed by music, singing along to tunes from their past as if their memories are suddenly unlocked."

"Groups like ours can be a lifeline for isolated individuals but having a special invitation to perform for royalty really was a dream come true for us all."

Croydon Signing for the Brain runs on Fridays (10am-1pm) at St Matthew’s Church, Chichester Road.

For more information, please contact the Croydon Alzheimer's Society office on 020 8653 2818 or email Croydon@alzheimers.org.uk