A HAMPSHIRE care home is proving a vital ingredient in a project that aims to teach men how to cook.

Linden House in New Street, Lymington, is the venue for weekly cookery demonstrations that highlight healthy dishes as well as focusing on food preparation and kitchen management.

The free two-hour sessions are aimed at men over the age of 55 who have limited experience of cooking for themselves.

Deborah Atkinson, one of two community cooks who are staging the course, said: “Participants may have a wife or long-term partner in hospital or care, or they may have been widowed or divorced.

“In these kinds of situations, men who haven’t cooked much before can often resort to ready meals or take-away food. We’re aiming to give them the confidence to make healthier choices and show them they can cook basic good food on a budget.”

Linden House is owned by Colten Care, an award-winning company that runs 19 quality care and dementia homes Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset.

Paddy O’Driscoll, the company’s catering manager, said: “Our whole ethos is about caring for older people, including providing our own residents with great homemade food, so we’re only too happy to provide space and facilities for what is a much needed community initiative.

“The demonstrations focus on practical, hands-on skills and how a balanced diet can help to keep health issues at bay.”

Derek Blackiston and Tony Rickard, both from Lymington, are among those taking part.

Derek said: “It’s given me fantastic encouragement and I know lots of other people who would want to come. The real benefit is that it goes through sensible things such as hygiene very thoroughly.”

Tony added: “If you can cook ten dishes you will save money and never go hungry.”