A TROWBRIDGE firm has rewarded its employees with a bonus after an excellent year's performance.

After a strong company performance over the past year, 500 employees at catering firm apetito have been awarded bonuses equivalent to two weeks' salary for those with a full year's service.

The bonus comes after a year in which £1.25m was invested at the Trowbridge site, including the provision of new staff facilities.

A new employee restaurant was opened in May and there have been many innovations in training and staff development.

Chief executive Paul Freestone said: "The bonus and improvements on site are our way of saying well done and congratulations to all our staff who have worked so hard over the past year, contributing to the company's success.

"The trend is set to continue and we look forward to our continued growth."

apetito is one of Europe's leading suppliers of frozen foods and the largest supplier of food and catering services to the elderly.

The company also supplies meals to more than half the country's local authority meals on wheels market and to several NHS hospital trusts.

The announcement comes after two highly successful years for the firm, which have seen increased business, new jobs and expansion at the Trowbridge site.

In September last year the firm announced the creation of 40 new jobs in the wake of rising sales figures and the securing of a new meals on wheels contract.

The company has also seen an improved staff turnover and has developed a reputation as a good local employer.

In November this image was boosted when the company was given an award for working with young people by the Wiltshire and Swindon Learning Skills Council.