Christmas came eight days early for elders as some of the Island?s finest musical talent created a show to remember.

For the first time ever, officials at Lefroy House care home laid on a festive concert on Sunday to ensure the seasonal spirit spread to those people who can?t get out and about themselves.

Relatives, friends, professional musicians and schoolchildren took turns to provide entertainment by playing the saxophone and singing Christmas songs and hymns.

It was their way of saying thank you to the people who helped make the Island what it is today. Volunteers who give up their time to lay on activities for elders throughout the year were also honoured in a plaque-giving ceremony towards the end of the event.

Popular soprano saxophonist Wendell (Shine) Hayward brought the house down with a series of mellow tunes.

It was Mr. Hayward?s second visit to the home this year, after he won the hearts of staff and elders with a show on Valentine?s Day.

?I?m really pleased that they appreciated what I could do,? said Mr. Hayward. ?It?s wonderful that a concert like this has been organised for the elders.

?They can?t always get out and about to go to this kind of event, so they can appreciate that we brought the concert to them.

?It?s good for the staff too, because they spend so much of their time here looking after the elders that they can?t get out to see things for themselves either.

?I really enjoyed coming here on Valentine?s Day so, I was more than happy to come along once again today.

?It?s all part of my community service. Especially at this time of year, I like to do what I can for the people.

?The whole show has been fantastic. All the singers and musicians have been incredible. We have lots of great talent in Bermuda, and it?s not just the famous names that are good.

?An event like this gives you the chance to see how talented all these people are.?

Other solo performers included Lefroy House physiotherapist Shirle Crockwell and Lily Nzabalinda, 15, whose grandfather Sylvan Musson is a resident at the home. Young musicians from Bermuda Institute, directed by Bill Linthwaite, also took their turn in the spotlight to show off their skills.

An audience of about 50 ? made up of elders, family and members of the public ? gave the event the thumbs up.

Lefroy House resident Marleta Richards, 60, said: ?It?s great. All the performers have been good so I wouldn?t be able to pick any of them out.?

Clifford Curtis, 71, said: ?It?s been all right ? I?m enjoying it.?

In previous years, the party has revolved around a visit from Santa Claus, but organiser Karen Fox said she would try something different this time.

?Santa is all about receiving but this year I wanted people to be giving something back to the elders,? she explained.

?These seniors have built Bermuda and made it what it is today. I wanted young people to give their appreciation for what they have done.?

Ms Fox hailed the event a success. She added: ?I?m so excited and very impressed by how it?s all gone. I?m overwhelmed.

?The seniors have been enjoying it and their families and other members of the community have come out to support it, which is very nice to see.

?It meant a lot that people responded and came along.

?It?s very hard to find different things for people to do in Bermuda, but this is something that they have been able to appreciate and will remember in years to come.?

Special awards were given to volunteers Chevaun Simmons and Reginald Tucker, who staff say have gone out of their way to make life fun for the elders.

Mr. Simmons, described by Ms Fox as ?dynamite?, devotes his spare time to taking residents on trips to activities including bingo and the cinema.

Mr. Tucker provides a popcorn machine which is used at the elders? regular movies nights, while his wife helps generate funds for events including a Caribbean cruise the elders will be enjoying next year.