Hits by Queen, Elvis and The Proclaimers are keeping residents fit at a care home’s drumming classes.

Hyllden Heights in Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, has introduced weekly drumfit sessions which are proving to be extremely popular.

The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles is a firm favourite of Scottish resident, Duncan Ireland, who loves tapping away on the inflatable exercise balls.

“I do drumfit to exercise my arms and my shoulders,” the 94-year-old said.

“500 Miles is my favourite, you can really follow the beat. I request it every week, but I don’t think anyone’s tired of it yet!”

Hyllden Heights offers residential, nursing, memory and respite care for up to 76 people.

Head of lifestyles, Sam Allen, says the drumming sessions have multiple benefits.

“The whole idea of drumfit is not only to keep fit but it’s music therapy too,” she explained.

“The team and I play upbeat songs that lift everyone’s mood, and the residents feel very powerful drumming on the balls.

“It’s important we play songs the residents know to really get them engaged with the music, so requests are essential.

“As you can imagine, Queen’s We Will Rock You goes down really well! It brings so many of the residents together too.

“Some of our ladies are fairly quiet but when the class starts, they get chatting and they get caught up in the energy of the session.”

Drumfit is part of a wider programme of activities run by the home.

Maintenance manager and former soldier Terry Desmond runs seated yoga sessions every Monday, which resident Roy Kohlbeck, 93, also takes part in.

“I’ve been having physiotherapy on my shoulders, and the yoga and the drumming really help,” he said.

“I always feel better after a drumfit session.”

For close friends Ivy Doran and Aileen Hill, both in their 90s, the drumming classes are a chance to share their love of music.

Sam added: “These lovely ladies live on our memory floor and the sessions bring them both so much joy.

“It brings Aileen out of her shell and the pair of them dance, laugh and really sing along.

“They transform from being quite reserved to upbeat and lively – they really have the best time.”

The drumfit sessions are one of the best attended activities at Hyllden Heights.

Registered manager Karen Pain said: “They not only get to enjoy their favourite songs, but the classes also allow them to express themselves physically.

“They can tap out a gentle beat or, if they’re not in the best of moods, they can really hit the balls and get their frustrations out.

“It keeps their arms strong and joints mobile, which is so important for their overall health and independence.

“Plus, it’s such a sociable activity. People feel so energised at the end of the session and it’s wonderful to see everyone having so much fun together.”