A FOOD expert is helping a community to learn the benefits of healthy eating.

Cookery sessions have been organised in the Chester-le-Street area to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

They are based on the principle of eating five portions of fruit and veg a day.

Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust community nutrition assistant and organiser Gillian Watson said: "Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can have a positive impact.

"Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT is very keen to see more local people interested in healthy eating, particularly in increasing fruit and veg in their diets."

The first session was held at Pelton Fell Community Centre and focused on cooking for beginners.

Future sessions will be geared towards cooking for teenagers, children and people on a budget.

Ms Watson said: "We are hoping the sessions will show people that eating and preparing foods need not be time consuming and costly and that cooking with fruit and veg can be fun and easy."

The next sessions is on April 16 and will concentrate on helping teenagers to improve their diets.