Bridgend County Borough Council has beaten off competition from more than 300 other UK Councils to be named the ‘Best Performer' for Education Catering in the 2008 Association for Public Service Excellence awards (APSE).

Actress and television personality Denise Welch presented Pat Davies of the School Catering Service and Senior Finance Officer Lynette Daniel, with the award at a ceremony at Blackpool.

A not-for-profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK, APSE promotes excellence in public services and hosts a network for councils to share best practice in areas such as waste and refuse collection, parks and environmental services, leisure, school meals, cleaning, housing and building maintenance.

Hilary Anthony, Bridgend County Borough Council's Director for Children, said: "The APSE awards reflect a culture of improvement in local government and Bridgend County Borough Council's desire to provide better services for the people we serve. This is an excellent achievement that recognises the efforts and commitment of our School Meals Service team".