CARE workers have completed a cookery course designed to keep older people healthy.

Dieticians from Darlington and County Durham primary care trusts, and catering staff at Darlington College of Technology, have devised the course, which is the only one of its type in the country.

It teaches care home cooks and support workers how to prepare high-calorie food to stop elderly people losing weight and growing weak.

"Research has shown that 44 per cent of residents in care homes are under nourished," said dietician Rachael Masters.

"As people get older they still need a 2,000 calories-a-day diet, but their appetite declines, their tastebuds fade and they often cannot be bothered to eat properly and make do with snacks.

"The course demonstrates how it is possible to pack a massive number of calories into a meal without increasing the size of the portions."

More than 50 staff, from 25 care homes, have taken the five-week course, which is funded by Darlington, Derwentside, Durham and Chester-le-Street, Durham Dales and Sedgefield primary care trusts.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the course can call (01388) 455712 for the south of the county or (01207) 594461 for the north.