THERE were gold stars all around for a teaching assistant who goes the extra mile to make lunchtime special for pupils.

Teaching assistant Averil Thomas was secretly nominated by a colleague from St Clement's CofE Primary School, Henwick Road, St John's, for the UNISON Stars in our Schools award.

Her hard work and dedication as well as her work as a Thrive practitioner, running a breakfast club and her idea for a Come Dine With Me-style game for the children saw her scoop the title.

The nomination said: "Averil makes dinnertime a positive time for these children by having place mats for each child to eat their dinner off so it makes them feel special.

"She has made her room a relaxed and enjoyable place to be in.

"Averil is always there if anything needs to be done, she gets involved in all the Christmas and year six end of year performances.

"Averil is very caring and will go above and beyond the call of duty for the children in her care."

The whole school watched on as Laura House from Worcester County Unison Branch presented her with the award during the weekly celebration assembly .

It was a double celebration for St Clements which has also gained the Leading Aspect award for a programme that gives emotional and social support to all their pupils.

The programme provides support and helps pupils settle into their school.