A TOWN mayor entertained crowds at a farmers’ market to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Councillor Gloria Wills, mayor of Sedgefield, County Durham, was singing at the town’s monthly farmers’ market.

The former nightclub and music hall singer decided to raise awareness about the disease after seeing its effects first hand following the diagnosis of her mother Jenny Knowles, 89.

Cllr Wills said: “This is a hidden thing that people don’t talk about because it’s frightening. People think it will never happen to them but sadly it does. It’s a very secretive disease that creeps up on families.

“It’s devastating when someone who is so bright and intelligent can become a different person, not overnight but sometimes in a very short time. It’s a frightening situation to be in.

“I just wanted to raise awareness. I think people were very responsive. People did come and talk to me about having their own family members diagnosed.”

Cllr Wills, who used the sing with her band The Dominoes, sang a range of music, including songs from the 1970s, folk and country and western.

“Music does help people with Alzheimer’s,” she added. “Having a range like that can inspire a little memory – you never know what people might have been listening to.”

Sedgefield Farmers’ Market is held on the village green on the first Sunday of every month and has a free stall for local charities.