DINNER ladies with a total of almost 700 years' service between them have been treated - to lunch.

Scolarest, the company that serves dinners in County Durham schools, took the 25 workers to Durham City's Bistro 21 restaurant.

Each of the women has completed at least 25 years' service and Scolarest, which wanted to thank them, also presented each with a bouquet of lilies, a bottle of wine, a framed certificate and a brooch.

"All of these ladies do a great job for us and their schools and we can't thank them enough for all their dedication and hard work," said Kathleen Smith, operations manager for Scolarest, in Durham.

"For them, the job is about much more than just making sure that pupils get good healthy food.

"They are always there for the children at lunchtimes, as a friendly face and a listening ear, and they all put in a huge amount of effort to make sure that lunchtime is enjoyable and fun for pupils."