School dinner ladies around Bridgend County Borough ditched their hats and overalls to attend Bridgend County Borough Council's Catering Services Annual Catering Awards (on Friday, 25 November).

The awards, sponsored by school meal suppliers, took place at the Hi Tide Inn in Porthcawl. The evening was organised in support of the school meals staff and to recognise their commitment to the service.

Throughout the year the school meal's staff have been in the spotlight and have had to deal with many well-publicised issues. They have worked hard to help introduce a new even healthier school meal's menu, replacing high salt, fat and sugar products with healthier products. 

Group Manager of Catering Services Norma Griffiths says: “The Catering Business Awards is the highlight of the year! It is a chance to say thank you to the staff for their commitment, recognise their achievements and most importantly boost their moral. With over 200 guests attending this year’s event it is an excellent night for motivation, rewarding staff and time for them to socialise with their colleagues.”

School meal staff have shown their dedication by actively working towards providing and promoting a healthier more efficient service. The awards night was an opportunity for kitchen teams to be recognised for their achievements, improve moral and thank them for perseverance and encouragement to help school pupils make the right choices.

Awards were presented for a number of areas, including: Customer Care, Most Improved Kitchen, Mayor's Award 'Cook of the Year' and Kitchen of the Year. The awards went to:

Customer Care

Primary Croesty Primary School and Junior School

Comprehensive BRYNTEG SCHOOL

Presented by Rob Bradley of Creed Catering and Brian Evans of Springfields

Most Improved Kitchen

Primary BRACKLA JUNIOR & INFANT SCHOOL

Comprehensive BRYNTIRION COMPREHENSIVE

Presented by Mike Fay of Commercial Kitchen Maintenance and Andy Theobal of True Refrigeration

Mayor's Award 'Cook of the Year'

Primary WENDY BLACKWELL of OGMORE VALE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Comprehensive LINDA THOMAS of MAESTEG COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

Presented by the Deputy Mayor of Bridgend Councillor Miss Rosemary Deere

Kitchen of the Year

Primary OGMORE SCHOOL

Comprehensive PORTHCAWL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Presented by Graham Avery Acting Executive Director for Learning