School lunches in Lancashire are much more than hotpot and spotted dick with custard nowadays.

The quality and variety of food served, ranging from freshly prepared roast lunches, tomato pasta Mascarpone and traditional Lancashire potato butter pie has led to the catering service at Lancashire County Council winning a national award.

The service won the Local Authority Caterer of the Year 2019 category, at the EDUcatering Excellence Awards, held at The Royal Garden Hotel, London, which are aimed at recognising excellence nationally.

The awards recognise catering across the entire school sector, including local authority run schools, contract caterers and self-managed sites in maintained schools, academies and independent schools.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "Being shortlisted for the award, whether the service won or not, was an incredible achievement in itself. Actually going on to win is amazing, and is recognition of our fabulous catering service.

"It clearly demonstrates that our service is recognised nationally as being at the forefront of the school catering industry. The award means that not only has the service been recognised as being excellent by independent auditors, but importantly our peers also acknowledge that we are leading the way in the school meals sector.

"This national external recognition reflects the efforts of everyone to deliver excellent standards of service. It demonstrates our commitment to providing really high quality meals.

"I'm well aware that the service we provide is excellent, but it is very pleasing to know that this has been recognised by others as well.

"I'd like to offer my personal congratulations to everyone involved in this award. I'm very proud of this accolade."

The event was held on Tuesday 8 October.

More information about this recognition is available from Hayley Stafford, Business Growth and Development Manager, by calling 01257 516014, or by emailing hayley.stafford@lancashire.gov.uk

To find out more about the awards, visit www.educateringawards.co.uk