A PIONEERING food course for care home caterers is to be rolled out across the country.

The latest group of 36 cooks has completed the Focus on Food course run by Darlington College, bringing the number of people now trained to 150.

The project is run by South Durham and Darlington Nutrition and Dietetic Service with the support of primary care trusts in Darlington, Sedgefield and Durham Dales.

It aims to correct the misconception that elderly people need fewer daily calories because they are not as active.

Care home cooks, housekeepers and managers are taught about the importance of nutrition, including how to prepare pureed food with the maximum number of calories using blending and moulding techniques to ensure it is also appetising.

Participants gain a National Open College Network certificate - equivalent to an NVQ level 2.

Dietitian Rachael Masters said: "There is no other course in the country like it. There has been so much interest in Focus on Food that we are now marketing it nationally to other colleges and the dietetic profession.

"It has been hard work but it has been well worth it.

"We are also looking to adapt the course for individual patients as it can make a real difference to the quality of life for people with long-term illnesses."

For details about Focus on Food call (01388) 455712.