SINCE taking part in healthy cooking courses, Dudley borough residents are lending their support to a new series of free sessions.

Get Cooking! is a six week course that will help attendees cook on a budget without abandoning their health.

The sessions are part of Let’s Get – a borough-wide, council-run initiative aiming to encourage healthier eating and increased participation in sport and physical activity.

Stourbridge mother of two, Rachel Griffiths, 32, attended a course at Mary Stevens Park last year, and said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a fabulous service.

"Since attending, I have managed to make changes to my diet that has also enabled me to make changes as a family.

“The course provided practical ways to reduce my intake of fat and sugar with the facilitator being very helpful at advising where to purchase foods that were healthy and low cost in comparison to some supermarkets.”

67-year-old Clive Naylor, who attended a similar course in Netherton last year, said: “I picked up some good ideas and cooking skills.

“I eat more fruit and vegetables and use less sugar and cooking oil. I now feel healthier and more active for my age. I do a fair bit of cycling, walking and bowling now.”

Councillor Rachel Harris, Dudley cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Get Cooking! as with the whole of the Let’s Get programme is all about supporting the borough to make positive changes.

“Whatever our age, lifestyle or level of ability, it is important that we explore ways of getting active and monitoring our diets, for ourselves, those we care for and those who care about us.

"It is comforting to know that healthier food does not have to mean higher prices and that Get Cooking! can help us monitor our costs as well as our waistlines.”

The next course will start on Monday, September 7, at Upper Gornal Pentecostal Church, in Eve Lane, Dudley. It will run between 1.30pm and 3.30pm and continues each Monday until October 12.

Places are open to anyone over the age of 16 who lives or works in the borough. They will be booked on a first come, first served basis, but additional sessions can be put on at alternative times and in other borough venues.

For more information call 01384 816 491.