THE search is on for budding chefs who can use their kitchen skills to inspire others to learn how to create cheap, healthy and delicious meals. NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney is looking for volunteers to become community cooks and develop their own culinary skills before passing on their knowledge to other people in the community.

THE search is on for budding chefs who can use their kitchen skills to inspire others to learn how to create cheap, healthy and delicious meals.

NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney is looking for volunteers to become community cooks and develop their own culinary skills before passing on their knowledge to other people in the community.

Those who sign up will be given six days of training, which begins on Thursday July 22 at Lowestoft's Boston Lodge.

They'll then hold their own basic cookery courses as part of the Cook Healthy Eat Well programme, funded by NHS GYW.

Great Yarmouth Community Trust's community nutrition team healthy living development manager Helen Johnston said: 'We're looking for volunteers who are passionate about supporting others to improve their cooking skills so they can prepare cheap, healthy and tasty meals for their families.

'We need people who are enthusiastic about creating nutritious meals with simple ingredients and techniques and are committed to working with people from their local communities.

'The course is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in developing their own skills, gaining vital work experience or exploring whether working in catering might be the career for them.'

As part of their training, volunteers will be assessed for certificates in food safety, healthier food and special diets and developing cooking skills.

They will then be given the chance to watch other CHEW courses before delivering their own sessions.

'The course is ideal for anyone who works part time or may be semi-retired,' added Ms Johnston. 'As well as helping them to develop new skills, it will also give them the chance to help their local community, which can be extremely rewarding.

'I'd encourage anyone in the Waveney area who may be interested in taking part to come along to our open evening to find out more.'

Anyone interested in becoming a community cook can attend an information session at Boston Lodge in Boston Road, Lowestoft from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, July 6 or, contact the community nutrition team on 01493 852200 or email nutrition@gyctrust.co.uk.