The standard of catering at a school has been recognised with a national award for hygiene.

Dundonald Primary School has been unveiled as the latest to land a coveted Eat Safe Award, for going above and beyond the legal requirements.

All South Ayrshire schools demand excellent performance for food safety and hygiene. However, the Food Standards Scotland’s Eat Safe Awards demonstrates an exceptional work ethic that delivers first-class preparation by catering staff.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, spokesman for the council’s sustainability and the environment, said staff had worked hard to achieve the recognition. He said: “Providing children with the best possible start in life is one of our priorities and the standard of food served at school plays a key role in our wider work.

“We take great pride in serving up tasty, nutritious meals every day, something which helps pupils to concentrate during lessons and encourages healthy lifestyles for all.

“Dundonald is now the 20th school to have landed an Eat Safe Award and I’d like to congratulate all staff for delivering high standards in the kitchen and first-class food preparation.”

Nineteen other South Ayrshire schools have already gained Eat Safe Awards: Alloway Primary, Ayr Academy, Barassie Primary, Belmont, Carrick, Coylton Primary, Doonfoot Primary, Forehill Primary, Girvan Academy, Glenburn Primary, Heathfield Primary, Kingcase Primary, Kyle, Marr College, Monkton Primary, Muirhead Primary, Prestwick Academy, QM Academy, and St John’s Primary.