CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver would be proud of them - 23 Halton dinner ladies have passed their first ever exams with flying colours.
They learnt how to cook a range of culinary dishes from soups to sauces as well as mastering managerial skills.
"Many of the group started with limited catering skills but after finishing their course at Halton College, they quickly picked up the techniques," said a Halton Council spokesperson.
"They gained the confidence they needed to become dinner ladies."
Halton's Mayor, Cllr Pat Tyrrell and Mayoress, Mrs Jean Tyrrell, herself a former cook at St Augustine's RC Primary School, presented the awards.
The women gained NVQs at level one, two and three.
Since acquiring their new qualifications, two thirds of the ladies have been promoted. Some have become supervisors and managers within other departments and services of the council.
Dinner lady Della Pennington was awarded 'student of the year' at Halton College last year.
She has since been promoted to supervisor.
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