MASTERCHEF judge John Torode today (Tuesday, July 15) gave top marks to a meal of mince, dumplings and mash during a visit to a North-East community lunch club.

The Australian-born TV presenter and restaurateur enjoyed the traditional homely dish with fresh vegetables followed by Eton Mess for dessert during a visit to Age UK County Durham’s Come Eat Together project in East Stanley.

The charity’s monthly dining circle is one of seven schemes hoping to be named the UK’s Best Health project in this year’s National Lottery Awards.

The project aims to improve older people’s diets and encourages members to cook and enjoy healthy food together.

Mr Torode, who also met volunteers in the kitchen, said: “A healthy and nutritious diet is crucially important at all stages of life.

“But Come Eat Together is so much more than just cooking.

“It was delightful to see how cooking and dining brings so many people together and can help combat isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

“Come Eat Together gets top marks from me. Their food was delicious and their company even better.”

Enid Dent, 76, from Harperley, who cooked the main meal, said: “It is so exciting. We were very nervous about him coming along and very conscious of the fact he is one of the best cooks in the country, but he was lovely. Today is the icing on the cake of what we have done over the last two years.”

Seven projects are competing for votes across seven categories, reflecting the main areas of National Lottery funding, such as art, sport, heritage, health, environment, education and charity. The winner will receive a £2,000 cash prize in September

Harriet Gibbon, chief executive of Age UK County Durham, said: “Our lunch clubs and dining circles are tremendous social occasions and an extremely important part of people’s lives. Many older people are lonely but they put on a brave face.

“Come Eat Together provides a vital network which allows older people to live an independent and active lifestyle whilst improving their ability to access, grow, cook and enjoy healthy food together.”

Voting to help the project win runs until midnight on Wednesday, July 23.

To vote for Come Eat Together, visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or call 0844-836-9699 and follow the campaign on Twitter #NLAwards.