A FAMILY affair is set to boost an "essential" service offering 24-hour support to Wyre Forest Alzheimers sufferers and their carers.

A concert featuring mother and father musicians, Andrew and Cynthia Downes and their daughters, Anna and Paula, is being held at St Anne's Church in Bewdley on Saturday.

The event starts at 7.30pm and will feature more than eight pieces composed by Mr Downes.

His daughters, Anna, 27, from Kidderminster, and Paula, 25, are also founder members of Halesowen Girls' Choir, which will be performing at the concert, directed by pianist Margaret Pickford.

Mrs Pickford's daughter, Katie, will also be performing on the night with Cynthia, Paula and Anna, who together comprise the Lynwood Lea String Quartet.

Treasurer of the district branch of the Alzheimers Society, Ray Saull, said the proceeds of the concert would be used to enhance services on offer at the centre, in New Road, Kidderminster, which include a 24-hour telephone helpline and quarterly newsletters.

A "sitter" service also enables carers to leave their homes and pursue social activities.

Mr Saull, who gave up his job in IT four years ago to become a full-time carer for his 59-year-old wife, Sandra, who suffers from Alzheimers, explained: "Alzheimers disease is dementia and what happens is sufferers' brain cells die at an abnormally fast rate, so they forget things and eventually can't do anything."

He added: "We have the society because people get distressed and very upset. Often they can feel helpless and the professionals really don't have the time to spare to support carers, so the voluntary service we have is there to prop it up by providing a little more in-depth support for carers."

The 60-year-old said two to three new people used the Kidderminster centre every week and such charity concerts usually raised around £1,000.

"It is an essential service supported by social services," he added. "They have given us some cash to provide a sitter service for carers ... because it is important carers are allowed to take part in community activities rather than being excluded because 24-hours a day care can very easily become isolating."

The concert will include pieces by Mozart, Bach and Handel, while Mr Downes has composed all eight ballads being performed in the second half.

His wife, Cynthia, a violin teacher from Halesowen, said she and her family and students regularly raised cash for charity, having previously helped the RSPCA, NSPCC and Christian Aid.

Tickets for the concert can be obtained in advance from Bewdley Bookshop or on the door of the venue on the night.

The centre can be contacted on 01562 832800 while the helpline number is 01299 861300.