PEOPLE living with dementia were excited to get back into the kitchen, thanks to a special initiative in Clacton.

Les Nicoll, community builder at the Essex Fire and Rescue Service, lead a ‘Cooking with Dementia’ class at Clacton Fire Station.

It was to mark Essex Dementia Day.

Seven people living with dementia were chosen by the Alzheimer’s Association to go into the kitchen at the station.

They were able to prepare fruit and vegetables for a meal of cottage pie and fruit crumble, which they then served up to their friends and relatives.

Les said: “We had a really fantastic day. This is a lovely opportunity to get people back in the kitchen again.”

“When they first go into the kitchen they are a bit quiet, but after five minutes it’s bedlam.”

The residents with dementia were able to share stories and joke with each other, before serving the meal to their carers and friends.

Les said it was very emotional seeing everyone sitting together.