East Durham College catering students prepared healthy dishes for elderly residents at a care home.

The group of five level two learners visited Ashwood Park Care Home, in Durham, which provides residential and nursing care.

They prepared a special low-fat shepherd’s pie and a diabetic carrot and currant cake, using sweetener rather than sugar.

The idea behind the visit, which was in celebration of nutrition and hydration week, was to give students practical experience of working in a commercial kitchen.

Catering lecturer Lynn Smith also hoped the students’ visit had given catering staff at the home fresh ideas about healthier dining options for residents.

She said: “It was great to be able to go out and show our support for nutrition and hydration week. We had a fantastic afternoon at Ashworth and we hope our input can have a beneficial effect in the future.”

Cap: Sophie Ord, aged 18, preparing shepherd’s pie.