Queens Crescent School dinners received top marks in a special competition to find the kitchen team of the year.

Sodexo, Wiltshire's main provider of school meals, organised the competition to recognise the hard work and achievements of school dinner teams across the county.

And the kitchen staff at the Chippenham primary school received the Team of the Year Award 2002-03. There are no soggy sprouts, dismal desserts or grumpy dinner ladies at Queens Crescent primary school all aspects of the school dining experience came under the spotlight for the award.

Customer relations, kitchen cleanliness and quality of care were all considered by the judges.

Headteacher Gill Clark said the prize was well deserved. "They really do support the children. They have an excellent manner across the counter, and have high standards in all things," she said.

The team of four, headed by catering manager Sarah Griffin, along with former colleague Charlotte Stewart, were celebrated by staff and pupils in the school last week.

The kitchen team were presented with plants and applauded for their achievement.

Around a third of the pupils have hot school dinners, some 100 to 120 every day, a higher figure than in many local primary schools.

"The school governors wanted to retain hot school meals because parents are very keen on them," said Mrs Clark. "We have regular meetings with Sodexo."