Musicians have been invited to play for patients with mental health problems at day hospitals in Cumbria.

The idea is not just to provide entertainment but also as a form of therapy.

In the first performance, banjo musician Hank Hillman played to patients at the Carleton Clinic in Carlisle on Wednesday.

Mr Hillman, from North Wales, performed folk and traditional music on his guitar and banjo for the patients, all aged over 65.

Stimulates patients

George Hope, ward manager, said: "The patients are elderly adults, with varying degrees of mental health problems, with functional problems or dementia.

"Music therapy is shown to stimulate, it helps people with interacting better and as a way of expressing themselves."

The day centre offers a number of activities, including reminiscence therapy, occupational therapy, and helping patients so they can go back to living independently at home.

One patients, Des, said: "It helps brighten up the atmosphere - it is my sort of music, older sort of music."

There are more concerts planned for the Carleton Clinic over the next six months, supported by the Council for Music in Hospitals.