Celebrity chef Lesley Waters cooked up a treat for parents of children with autism.

Lesley, who runs a cookery school in west Dorset, teamed up with the charity Autism Wessex to run the event for parents and carers.

Guests were treated to a complimentary cookery demonstration and tasting by Lesley who wanted to give local carers the opportunity to have a memorable day out in the charity’s 50th birthday year.

Caroline Northeast, a mum of two children with autism who attended the event with her mother-in-law said: “The event was fantastic.

"I had such brilliant day. Being able to spend a few hours away enjoying some delicious food in beautiful surroundings was such an incredible treat. It is so rare that I have the chance to do something for myself so thank you so much Lesley.”

Guests were treated to a cookery demonstration and tasting of a three-course meal by Lesley and her team at her cookery school, which is near Halstock.

The menu included Vintage Egg Mayo with Tapenade and Cress, Chorizo Crusted Chicken with Spring Cassoulet and Vanilla Creams with Rhubarb and Raspberry Dressing.

Dorset-based chef Lesley Waters, who has appeared on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, has supported Autism Wessex for four years and has backed the charity’s annual Big Brekkie campaign since 2015.

She said; “It was a pleasure to welcome Autism Wessex and the group of parents and carers to the cookery school.

"I’ve seen first hand some of the challenges that having a child diagnosed with autism can bring and felt strongly that I’d like to do something special for local parents and carers.”

Autism Wessex spokesman Emily Pike said; “On behalf of all of the parents and carers I’d like to say a huge thank you to Lesley and her team for putting on such a brilliant day.

"Having a child with autism can shift the family dynamic and can mean that parents and siblings struggle to find time to do something for themselves.

"Lesley’s event was just that and taking place in our 50th birthday year it felt particularly special.”

Autism Wessex provides specialist support and services to anyone affected by autism.

For more information on the charity and how you can get involved in its landmark year visit www.autismwessex.org.uk/team50