'My career-break cooking class could change lives'

Rob Parr says he wants to put something back into the community where he grew up

A Blackpool businessman is offering free cookery lessons to help people in the neighbourhood where he grew up to eat more healthily and save money.

Rob Parr said he wanted to put something back into the Lancashire town's Revoe area, which is one of the most economically deprived council wards in England.

"I've chosen a strange way to do this as I have no background in catering but it feels right," said the 62-year-old, who has put his career on hold to lay on the cookery lessons, which typically last two to three hours.

"I hope that, in a number of different ways, we can enrich some people's lives."

The free cooking lessons are open to all

He said: "A lot of these people have started life 'three goals down' and have struggled to catch up with those - like me - who started life 'three goals up'.

"I've experienced some fantastic things in my life and have realised that it is greedy to carry on enjoying those things whilst others find life a real struggle."

The freelance logistics specialist said he scrapped any holiday plans this year so that he could finance the conversion of a former shop into a cookery school.

He consulted with the local community and created a space with two work stations and a seating area where the "pupils" can serve their dishes to friends, family and neighbours after their free lessons.

"Cooking school sounds a bit formal," said Rob. "This is a place for the community where many people who live alone can drop in and chat.

Those dropping in can have one-to-one lessons with volunteers including a chef, people from the hospitality industry and "just those who are very good cooks".

Rob said: "I even do sessions myself but it is mainly when a volunteer can't make it that I step in.

"Everyone really enjoys the sessions and are surprised at what they can achieve."

The daily slots - usually restricted to four people - have to be booked in advance, Rob said.

Since the project began eight weeks ago, most sessions have been full.

Justine Azzopardi said she "just fancied helping out" at the cooking lessons

Volunteer cook Justine Azzopardi, 50, said Rob "talked me into" helping out while they were at a local gym.

The trainee sports massage therapist said: "I just fancied the idea as it seemed to be a good one [and] I just came in to have a look."

She added: "My only background is cooking for family - I'm self-taught but I like experimenting.

"It's been really, really good.

"I've taught a couple of young girls who were very, very nervous but quite keen and they were very grateful for the hints and tips they were getting."

Raja El Faleh said she "was just walking past when I decided to drop in"

Some students soon end up becoming volunteers themselves.

Raja El Faleh, originally from Tunisia, has lived in Blackpool for nearly 20 years.

The 48-year-old said she spotted the cookery school while walking down the street one day.

"I was interested in walking past this place and interested in cooking - I had a very nice welcome and I have ended up helping.

"First week we learned how to cook pizza and now I'm hoping to teach some Tunisian food."

Sarah Falconer comes to the classes with her mum and daughter

Another person who came off the street out of curiosity is Sarah Falconer.

The 48-year-old said: "I just came in and the people seemed friendly.

"I've tried to cook before but I don't have many ideas and I want to learn how to cook good food.

"It is building my confidence - my mum and daughter really enjoy it too."

People prepare food tasted by family, friends and anyone else who drops by

A local art student, who the BBC has agreed to call Lois, also said she was drawn to the school.

"I heard on the grapevine about this place from a local community group," she said, "so I thought I would swing by and take a look and it was buzzing with so many different people."

Lois was so inspired when she was "gifted" some cooking apples that she bought them to the cookery school so they could be made into a pie for everyone to share.

"This is such a lovely project," she said.

Sentiments like that are music to Rob's ears.

"I'm a dreamer and I would love to see a time where we are open longer - for more than 10 hours a day, seven days a week - with lots of volunteers and then we can take it other parts of the town," he said.

People return to the classes to learn how to cook more dishes