A COOKING event has been hailed a tremendous success after bringing together a local community.

Organised by Eden Project Communities Wales, The Big Lunch event aims to bring together as many people as possible through cooking activities.

Seven youngsters took part in the project yesterday at the Ty Mynyddislwyn Environment Centre, Blackwood.

They were taught different dishes to cook in a cookery workshop.

Nethan Needs, 19, said he "loved" meeting new people.

"I had a lot of fun," he said.

"I have learnt how to do a lot of cooking now.

"I have also met and become friends with people who are older than me. We will stay in touch."

While cooking, the youngsters were also taught of the importance of engaging with the wider community to help tackle loneliness.

Bethan Donovan said: "I have loved everything about the day.

"I was also taught of the need to include everybody from the community. The elderly can get lonely.

"But all of us cooking together can stop the feeling of loneliness."

Lowri Jenkins, of Eden Communities Wales, described the event as a "big success"

"People who take part in The Big Lunch help create friendlier communities," she said. "And then start to share more, from conversation and ideas to skills and resources.

"This is a concept that many of the older generation have embraced, while younger people may not realise the vital role that their local community can play in improving a sense of belonging and well-being.

"Big Lunch events encourage friendlier neighbourhoods and people taking part report feeling better about where they live and have a strong sense of community following the event."

For more information on The Big Lunch, visit TheBigLunch.com