Free, six-month cookery courses will bring older and younger people in Hackney together, thanks to an £83,000 grant.

Hundreds of residents have the opportunity to register for Made In Hackney's vegan cookery course, thanks to the grant from City Bridge Trust.

Hackney Gazette: Made In Hackney encourages participants to develop more plant-based lifestylesMade In Hackney encourages participants to develop more plant-based lifestyles (Image: Made In Hackney)

Fran Humber, development manager, said: "Cooking using fresh fruit and vegetables is a way for people to improve their diet as part of a healthier lifestyle, and they can also save money as cooking plant-based food from scratch is very affordable.

"We've had people come along who've been able to improve their health, manage existing conditions and also to make friends and feel more connected with the community - that's the ideal outcome."

The weekly two-hour classes were set up in response to demand from older people for intergenerational events.

Hackney Gazette: Geraldine, who did not give her last name, at a Made In Hackney community feastGeraldine, who did not give her last name, at a Made In Hackney community feast (Image: Made In Hackney)

The grant will also fund five "community feasts" a year aimed at bringing older and younger people together to cook and eat.

The current course started in September and the next course is expected to follow on from when the current course ends.

People can register for the inter-generational cookery classes by emailing classes@madeinhackney.org or calling 020 8442 4266. For more information, visit: madeinhackney.org/.