A community organisation in Canning Town has picked up a gong for teaching young unemployed men how to cook.

Community Links was awarded a Golden Spoon by Let’s Get Cooking,

an organisation providing support in setting up healthy cooking programmes, after it launched a cooking club for unemployed men aged 20-40.

The club aims to help members become more self-sufficient with food while creating a support network for unemployed people in the community.

Ralph Corkill, who helps run the club, said: “Some of our members rely on others for a place to stay so learning to cook is a survival skill for them. “The club has created a network for them so that they can all help each other afford to eat well. Members have become really experimental with food and club together to buy ingredients to help each other cook meals.”

Community Links was presented with its Golden Spoon, by cook and teaching champion Kate Bellingham, best known for hosting Tomorrow’s World and Children’s ITV programme, the Big Bang, at a national awards ceremony.