CARE workers have completed a cooking course designed to keep old people healthy.

Dieticians from Darlington and County Durham primary care trusts (PCTs) and catering staff at Darlington College of Technology have come up with 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, growing weak and becoming ill.

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

"As people get older they still need a 2,000 calorie-a-day diet but their appetite declines, their taste buds fade and they often can't 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 undergone the five-week course, which is funded by Darlington, Derwentside, Durham and Chester-le-Street, Durham Dales and Sedgefield PCTs.

For details about the course call (01207) 594461 for the north of the county and (01388) 455712 for the south.