A CELEBRITY chef cooked up a treat for pensioners in Oxford to help launch a new scheme to combat loneliness.

Thousands of people are thought to be on their own in the city and very rarely see or speak to other people, according to the charity Age Concern.

Now Age Concern Oxfordshire is calling on anybody over 50 to head down to the Corner Café at East Oxford Community Centre every Wednesday for a cooked dinner, advice and help.

The appeal came after celebrity chef Lesley Waters, from BBC show Ready, Steady, Cook, helped cook more than 100 people a roast lunch at the centre on Wednesday.

A meal costs about £2.80 and is normally a traditional favourite, like a roast dinner or fish and chips.

Volunteers are also on hand to discuss problems the person may be having, and there are classes in computing skills and t’ai chi.

Amanda Bailey, fundraising manager at the centre, said: “There are probably thousands of people in the city who live alone and must be extremely lonely.

“They very rarely see other people.

“These drop-in sessions are a brilliant way for people to talk and get advice and enjoy a really good meal at an inexpensive price.

“It is not a club and people can come whenever they want, for as long as they want.

“You don’t have to be a member and if you just want a coffee, you are more than welcome.”

Mrs Waters helped kitchen staff cook and serve a roast dinner.

All ingredients were supplied free by food company Aunt Bessie’s.

Ms Bailey said: “Lesley was brilliant and everybody appreciated her help. She has played an important role in highlighting the work we do.”

Mrs Waters added: “Food is a brilliant way of getting people together and it has been a brilliant experience for me.

“Everybody seemed to really enjoy what was on offer and you could see everybody having a good chat. That’s what it’s all about.

“I would urge anybody in Oxford who feels this centre could help them to head along.”

Age Concern is holding its national Great Sunday Lunch on October 18, and is urging family‚ friends‚ neighbours and colleagues to enjoy lunch together and raise money for the campaign.

For more information and to request a fundraising pack call 01235 849400.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk