The catering team at Garston Manor School in Watford have pipped all competition to win Special Education Catering Team of the Year 2017.

The award comes from Hertfordshire Catering Limited, who held their annual HCL Awards on Thursday, May 11.

Claire Doran, HCL's catering manager at Garston Manor, said: “We are delighted to have won this year. It’s a great pleasure to see the children at the school enjoying the healthy food we prepare, but it’s also nice to be recognised for our hard work."

Judges were impressed by the team at Garston Manor’s understanding and empathy with the pupils.

Lin O’Brien, chief executive of HCL and a member of this year’s judging panel, said: “This is a truly dynamic team; they make the children’s days better with their smiles and positivity and their beautifully crafted food.

“Their understanding and empathy with the pupils is seen on a daily basis. Healthy eating has never been so much fun at this school.”

The winning team at Garston Manor joined the 31 other shortlisted nominees at the gala dinner and awards ceremony which was hosted by Dr David Bull, a medical doctor, award-winning TV host and ardent campaigner for improved health through great food and good nutrition.

Around 100 nominations flooded in from head teachers, business managers, and HCL management in recognition of the outstanding performance and contribution to the organisation, individual colleagues and teams of HCL staff.

Lin added: “Our staff are our greatest asset; they have great passion for what they do and have a huge commitment to the schools they work with. Our awards ceremony is just one of the ways we celebrate them and the outstanding contribution they make.”