REDDITCH foodies looking to spice up their culinary skills can pick up a community cookbook for free.

The book, entitled Redditch's First Community Cookbook - Up to 7 Ingredients Recipes Volume 1, will be available in libraries, community centres and schools in Redditch.

Dr Nayab Patel was inspired to create the book in March during the height of panic buying, when supermarket shelves across the UK were bare in response to the Covid-19 crisis. She also started a Facebook group for the community to share simple recipes during the lockdown.

She said: “This prompted me to start cooking with was available and as a community we all faced with the same challenge.

“I started Up to 7 Ingredients Recipes group to share and promote fresh, healthy and alternative ways of preparing food using modest recipes.

“The book has a collection of starters, mains, sides, salads and desserts.

“I would like to thank the co-authors and sponsors for making this happen."

Joe Baker, owner of book sponsors Omega Therapies, said: "It was a real pleasure to support Nayab with the cookbook, there are lots of great recipes inside some I have already tried and tasted.

“This is a positive thing for Redditch and great for our communities to support the first cookbook."

The book was designed by local resident Andrea Berry.

The designer said: "While I have been shielding in lockdown for the last four months, when Nayab asked me to help I jumped at the chance to use my skills and contribute to the Community.

“I am pleased with the result which I am sure others will enjoy trying out the recipes as much as I have."

The book will also be gifted to the Mayor of Redditch and Forge Mill Museum.