A CHEF is taking part in a community project in Breightmet to encourage people to get cooking during lockdown.

Come Dine Online With Me is a Facebook group started by a team of residents, it features cooking tutorials and members can share photos of their creations.

Chef Gareth Mason is offering his culinary knowledge by filming videos for the group, as well as doing live streams which people can cook along with.

The group is aiming to get as many people as possible involved, so local business have come forward to donate ingredients for those who are financially struggling.

Chorley based chef Kevin Bath will also share his expertise.

Gareth said: "Cooking uplifts everyone's mood and when I was asked to do this I was completely up for it.

"It feels as if we've lost that positivity we had in the first lockdown, the enthusiasm is waning so a project like this helps bring people back together again.

"I've pre-recorded a few videos for the page showing some recipes or cooking techniques, like poaching an egg.

"It's actually something I do for my friends and family a lot when they ask me how to cook a particular dish.

"Cooking is about experimenting and having fun, you don't have to do things a set way and you can play around with the flavours.

"For me the important thing is enjoying the whole process, it should be fun.

"I think people are developing a new love for cooking, they are finding their inner chef."

One of the group's founders Andrew Bowling said: "I got the idea from my sister who's set up a similar group at a caravan park, it's a way of keeping people together even though we're apart.

"Thanks to donations we can even offer recipe packs for those who have lost their jobs or are struggling financially, so everyone's included.

"It's not just about food, but the social aspect too."