A CATERING manager at an independent Bridge of Allan School scooped an in-company award for her achievements.

Marie Brunton, who dishes meals out at Beaconhurst School, won the Better Tomorrow Award in the Independent Schools category at Sodexo's Star Awards.

The Stirling woman, whose team serves around 400 meals a day to staff and pupils, said: “I wasn’t expecting anything in the awards and was surprised and honoured to even be nominated so I was delighted to win.

“I enjoy my job at Beaconhurst because they are a client who let you get on with what you are doing, and I love working with the children.

“I did a project with a class where we learned about World War Two rations and they tasted a simple menu from the time which was great fun.

“We’ve a good team where everyone pulls together so I see it as an award for the whole Beaconhurst catering team as well as for me.”

The school also holds the Healthy Living Award and in addition to providing meals for pupils, the catering team are involved in a diverse range of activities with them.

These include a Smoothie making day for nursery children, a cookery club for older pupils and a World War Two project to educate junior pupils about the restrictions of a war-time diet.

Headteacher Sandra Bannerman added: “Marie is an exceptional catering manager and she and her team are an integral part of the Beaconhurst community who continually go over and above their duties to engage with staff, pupils and parents.

“They deliver an outstanding service and Marie works tirelessly to ensure the food choices are healthy, sustainable and engaging for our pupils.

“She also takes the time to get to know our pupils and has introduced all sorts of initiatives from the annual Bake-Off competition to specific curriculum projects.

“The impact of the catering team on our children is immense and has helped them develop lifelong healthy eating habits and the key to this success is Marie’s excellent leadership skills.”