Welwyn Hatfield schools rose to victory at a Hertfordshire Catering Limited (HCL) awards evening.

The catering team at Hatfield’s Howe Dell, headed by cook manager Jackie Sayers, scooped the award for Primary School Catering Team of the Year (+200 meals a day) at last week’s event.

Jackie said: “I feel very humbled to have won this award. It’s wonderful recognition for my staff and I.

“It came as a fantastic surprise to us on the evening, we were walking and dancing on air! Here’s to another year of great school meals.”

The judges felt that Howe Dell’s staff outstripped the competition due to their professionalism.

“This very professional and engaged catering team are always happy and smiling, which makes lunchtime more enjoyable for the children,” they said.

Stanborough School in Welwyn Garden City won the Secondary School Catering Team of the Year (+900 on roll) award, with judges commending the staff’s “pride and passion”.

“Challenges are viewed as opportunities and they deal with all situations positively,” judges added. “The professionalism of the service is incredible.”

Also tasting success were the catering team at Applecroft Primary School, who were singled out for Delivering Service Excellence in their work.

Judges said: “This team has made it their mission to increase average meal numbers, succeeding in making the quality of the food better for all.

“This hard work has paid off, as the children have become more engaged with the food on offer.

“The team is part of the ethos of their school and have gone above the normal line of duty to create good relationships across the board.”