Composer Trix Forbes believes age is no barrier to talent and has released her first album this week, at the age of 68.

The album, called Oxford & Beyond was inspired by the sights and sounds of Dutch-born Mrs Forbes’s adopted home.

She said: “The album features four songs I have written, sung by two professional female singers and they are inspired by my own journeys to places throughout the county, such as Port Meadow and Blenheim Palace.”

She added: “I took piano lessons as a child in Holland, but only started composing music properly when I turned 60.

“Then, two years ago I had a real turning point, when a Dutch lady I met on an Oxford-Leiden exchange visit gave me a poem she had written and asked me to put it to music.

“She loved the melody I came up with and so I kept on composing.”

A thunderstorm then put her on the road to becoming a recording artist.

Her car sprang a leak in the torrential rain and while visiting a garage to get it repaired, she spotted an advert on a noticeboard for producer Djinn Choudry, of the Lilac Lounge recording studio in Headington.

Mrs Forbes said: “He loved my music and agreed to record it for me.

“Djinn is already famous in the house music world and was able to put all sorts of great sounds and effects into my music, as well as advising me on launching my album.

“The album begins with the sound of a person cycling to university. You can hear the sounds of the Oxford traffic and the cycle bell. I think it’s unique.

“A short while later here I am – 68, launching my first album and hopefully looking forward to a great future in the music business.”

Mrs Forbes describes her music as dreamy and melodic, with the spirit of Oxfordshire.

She moved to Oxford 30 years ago after meeting her husband Peter when he was on an exchange visit to her Dutch home town, Leiden, which is twinned with Oxford.

The couple live in Headington and sell antique architectural fixtures and fittings.

She said: “I’m not after money or fame, just recognition for my music and hearing it immortalised as the backdrop of a film would be perfect.

Mrs Forbes is also working with the 13th Theatre Company to develop a musical about Oxford.

For more details of Oxford & Beyond and to order a CD, see beatrix-forbes.co.uk