Retired residents in Willesden Green were treated to a special cookery demonstration by a celebrity chef.

Nick Nairn dropped in at Springhill House, McCarthy and Stone’s retirement living development in Willesden Lane, to promote healthy eating.

The Scottish chef, who was a regular on television’s Ready Steady Cook in the 1990’s, demonstrated a three course meal including chicken supreme, salmon with avocado salsa and strawberry cheesecake.

While he cooked he answered questions and providing helpful hints and tips on healthy eating later on in life.

He said: “I had a wonderful time visiting Springhill House, and it was a pleasure to meet and talk with people about their own cooking and give them some ideas to liven up their meals. As we get older we tend to eat much smaller meals, but it’s still important to eat enough calories in order to give you the energy that you need for the day – whether you’re having a relaxing day at home or embarking on an activity that’s more energetic.

“Some of the recipes I demonstrated included simple adaptations to well-known dishes, but all are designed to pack a punch for taste, and most importantly offer a healthy and nutritiously balanced approach to the meals that are simple and easy to make at home.”

Julie Ward, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone South East, said: “We were delighted to welcome Nick Nairn to Springhill House, and our guests were thrilled to see him demonstrate some fantastic recipes and to pick up some useful advice and top tips that they can use at home.

“Our aim is to help older people stay independent for longer, and we teamed up with Nick to demonstrate how eating well can help maintain an active, healthy lifestyle throughout retirement. Nick was so generous to share with us his advice on how to cook simple, tasty dishes that can be easily incorporated into daily life. I’m looking forward to using some of his top tips and secrets myself.”