A MUSICIAN who has played the accordion for more than 60 years entertained elderly residents yesterday.

Charles Young started playing in the Army, performing more than 300 shows for troops.

He progressed to North-East venues and supported Washington-born comic Bobby Thompson.

The 81-year-old now spends his time entertaining elderly residents across the town. Yesterday, he appeared at Elderwood nursing home, in Cockerton, Darlington.

The former joiner, from Darlington, said: "I have played there before and they like a good old singsong.

"They like the old songs that I play and they were delighted. I spend most of my time playing the accordion in the homes.

"It is all voluntary. They always seem to enjoy themselves."