TEN school cooks have become among the first in North Yorkshire to be recognised for their efforts towards healthy meals.

The ten, who work at schools all over the county, have gained City and Guilds awards.

They were presented with their awards by curriculum development manager Kevin Jeffreys at a ceremony at Graham School, in Woodlands, Scarborough.

The training, organised in partnership with the county council's continuing education service, provides caterers with the all-round expertise to deliver a healthier school meals service.

It has been designed for staff involved in the preparation and service of school meals, and provides candidates with a breadth of knowledge.

It is also designed to encourage caterers to develop attractive and innovative marketing ideas, to help them promote their healthier meals.

The general manager of the county's school catering service, Keith Tillbrook, said: "This award will help our dedicated cooks provide healthier meals in line with Government nutritional guidelines and to market our school meals successfully."