A CELEBRITY chef has given his seal of approval to a recipe book specifically designed for the older generation.

The North-East half of the Hairy Bikers, Si King, praised the creative and healthy menus included in the newly launched Eat Well, Feel Great.

Published by Age UK County Durham, the book came about in response to calls from older people to inspire and motivate them to try new dishes and make their meals more interesting and varied.

Mr King said: “Sometimes it’s hard to get motivated to cook different tasty meals when you live on your own.

“This recipe book has loads of tasty creative healthy food to get your taste buds going.”

Ideas for the recipes came from members of the charity’s Come Eat Together project and Bishop Auckland College catering lecturer Graham Kennedy, working with Newcastle University’s LiveWell research programme.

It features traditional dishes which have been given a modern and healthy twist, inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

They include Sardinian stew, roasted vegetable tagine with couscous and tuna Nicoise salad.

More than half of the recipes are suitable for vegetarians, and there are suggestions for the use of alternative ingredients to ensure that dishes.

Harriet Gibbon, chief executive of Age UK County Durham, said: “We are very proud of this publication with its delicious recipes, colourful photographs and practical design.

“All the recipes have been tested and tasted to make sure instructions are easy to follow and are full of flavour.”

For more information about the book and how to buy it call the charity on 0191-3863856 or visit ageuk.org.uk/countydurham