A COOKBOOK has been published with recipes from local residents on how to eat healthily.

Grace Isaac Obed has led the way in healthy eating by compiling the guide - made up of recipes from fellow residents in the Parkfield and Mill Lane community.

Included in the book are recipes from all over the world, including India and China.

There are salads, a green bean casserole, chicken and vegetable kebabs and even an Indian-style pancake called a banana dosa.

The launch took place yesterday at the Stockton International Family Centre, where 500 copies were available.

A dedicated volunteer in the community, Ms Obed is a community health champion in the Parkfield and Mill Lane area, an initiative funded by the North Tees Primary Care Trust.

The idea for the cookbook came from the Community Health Champions programme, which forms part of an awareness campaign for a healthier lifestyle.

The champions are trained in all aspects of healthy eating, giving up smoking and exercise and then pass this to the community.

Ms Obed became involved when she helped to collect the recipe suggestions from residents, and then organised them to compile the book.

Stockton South MP Dari Taylor performed the official opening.

"I am delighted with this publication," she said.

"It contains recipes for home-cooked meals using fresh and healthy ingredients, which will be affordable and nutritious."