How did a group of pensioners end up with a huge hit record? It all started with an idea by documentary maker Tim Samuels.

His programme on old people showed how their lifestyle was going downhill fast. They were being badly treated, locked away in “care” homes, or just simply ignored. He decided that they still had more than a bit of life left in them, so he helped they make a pop record.

Tim successfully enlisted the help of leading people in the music industry - including a top U2 producer – and The Zimmers, by now a 40-strong band, recorded “My Generation” at the legendary studio two at Abbey Road, where the Beatles recorded most of their hits.

The video was shot by Geoff Wonfor - of Band Aid/Live Aid fame – and the rest, as they say, is pop history. Their downloads from MySpace have now topped the two million mark, and are still rising. A world tour has to be on the cards.

The lead singer Alf Carretta, who has just turned 90, says: “I feel like the whole experience has brought me back to life. I was stuck in a rut and now I feel alive again.”

Winifred Warbuton (pictured), aged 99 and from Derby, describes the Abbey Road recording as the best day in her life.

Hundred-year-old band member Buster Martin (also pictured) says he’s not living the rock and roll lifestyle just yet, and puts his good health down to home-cooked red meat, eggs and vegetables, the odd 10-mile run – and a pint or two.

“This is about old people sticking it back to the society that has cast them aside,” says Samuels, who couldn’t be happier with their success.

To listen to The Zimmers singing My Generation, click here. To watch the video, click this YouTube link. Their single is on sale now.

Also of interest is this YouTube video from an 80-year-old video blogger who is involved in The Zimmers project.