A group of people who suffer from severe breathing difficulties have been helped by singing.

The singers, who all suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were performing at the Wighton Centre in Dundee on Friday.

The concert was held as part of a 10-week programme run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust in association with NHS Tayside.

It focused on the benefits of singing, combining the practical benefits of breathing exercises with control which are both important for helping people living with COPD to self manage their condition.

People with COPD often adapt their lifestyles in a bid to reduce breathlessness but keeping as fit as possible is important and the physical act of singing can help people with COPD to improve their breathing.

Singing coach Sarah Harrop has been working with the group of participants at the Wighton Centre encouraging them to find their singing voice as well as teaching them a range of breathing exercises which has resulted in positive health benefits.

She said: “Working with people who have COPD was quite challenging as they all have breathing difficulties for different reasons and are affected to different degrees.

“I was pleased that the group responded so well to the breathing lessons which helped them pace themselves when singing. The power of taking part in group singing, creating that one collective sound, is hugely satisfying even if your voice is not the strongest.”

NHS Tayside Chairman Sandy Watson, said: “This innovative programme is producing long-term benefits for people living with COPD. The physical act of singing has, with the help of trained singing coaches, resulted in improved breathing.”