Alzheimer's sufferer Ted McDermott, 80, lands record deal after viral 'carpool karaoke' videos

An 80-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer has landed a record deal after his 'carpool karaoke' made him an internet singing sensation. Ted McDermott has been signed by Decca Records after YouTube videos of him singing with his son were watched by millions of fans online.

The former Butlin's Redcoat was diagnosed with dementia in 2013, and while he sometimes has difficulty recognising his son, he can remember the words to some of his favourite songs.

His son Simon, 40, found that singing helped his father cope with his condition. He recorded the videos of their sing-a-long's while driving around Blackburn and posted them on the internet.

Ted, known as 'The Songaminute Man', won legions of fans for his heart-warming renditions of classic songs by Frank Sinatra and Engelbert Humperdinck.

His rendition of Quando Quando Quando has won almost 1 and a half million views. Other videos include On the Street Where You Live, You Make Me Feel So Young and Volare.

His videos also caught the attention of a Decca executive, who invited Ted to a recording session at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios.

Decca's Alexander Van Ingen praised the pensioner for his singing talent saying: "Teddy's voice is truly remarkable for any singer, let alone one 80 years of age. It's a captivating sound, and full of character and experience."

Simon said: "This is a dream come true not only for dad, but for the entire family. There have been some really tough days in the last few years – especially for mum.

"We threw an 80th birthday party last month and thought that would be his last time singing solo for people, so it's amazing to think he now has a single coming out!"

Proceeds from the track which is to be released on Friday, will go to the Alzheimer's Society and Ted's family Mail Online reports.

The videos have already helped to raise awareness for the Alzheimer's Society and have raised £114,000 for the charity.