A SCHOOL chef has been named as a top employee for her dedication to feeding youngsters.

Catering company Scolarest has chosen Edith McElrue as its Employee of the Year in County Durham.

Mrs McElrue works at Tanfield Lea Junior School, Tanfield Lea, Stanley, where she and her colleagues are responsible for cooking up to 130 lunches a day.

She was selected for the Be A Star award from 800 members of catering staff working for Scolarest across the county.

Mrs McElrue said: "I was thrilled to win the award. I enjoy every part of my job, the catering team has a really good relationship with the school and I love being with the children."

She has been a member of the Tanfield Lea Junior School catering team for 22 years.

Headteacher Kay Hemmings nominated McElrue for the award because of the top service and healthy school meals she provides.

Edith, of Trefoil Road, Tanfield Lea, was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of champagne and £50 in Marks & Spencer vouchers to mark her award at the Scolarest staff conference held in Durham.