(Image: Supplied)
A chef with more than 45 years of experience has been appointed head chef at a bistro in a retirement village.
Andrew Lees has taken on the role of head chef at the bistro at Mickle Hill, a lifestyle village for the over-60s in Pickering.
With a career spanning more than four decades in hotels and restaurants, Mr Lees said he was looking forward to working in the retirement sector for the first time.
Mr Lees said: "This is a very exciting new chapter for me, I'm already loving it.
"From the moment I started, I could already tell how collaborative I was going to be with owners, which is really important.
"Their happiness is my priority, so it's been great to find out what they like, what they want, and generally take their feedback on board."
He also emphasised the social importance of the bistro for residents who may not be able to go out regularly.
He added: "The bistro at Mickle Hill is vital for many of our owners.
"It’s a key part of their routine and really does break up the day, particularly for those who aren’t in a position to go out much."
Gillian Green, village manager at Mickle Hill, said: "We’re delighted to have Andrew as part of the team.
"Our bistro is important to so many of our owners, so it’s essential that we have a creative head chef.
"We’ve had so much positive feedback already, and he has developed great relationships with the owners, we’re thrilled."