Honours for leading council staff

County council staff who have performed above and beyond the call of duty have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

The All About You awards were presented as part of Staffordshire County Council's Celebration Day at Shugborough.

The environment category winner was Julie Moulds, of Lichfield, a teacher at Little Aston Primary School, near Lichfield. She set up the school's eco-council that brings pupils and parents together to care for the environment.

Reception children grow their own vegetables and flowers and parents are encouraged to recycle clothes. Julie also works with community groups on recycling and environmental initiatives.

The above and beyond winner was Frances Edwards, janitor, cleaner and lollipop lady at William Amory Primary School, Blythe Bridge. She opens up the school at 7am and is frequently still on the premises at 6pm.

Lifetime achievement winner was Kathy McNair who has worked as part of the Tamworth Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team for 22 years.

She is recognised as a social worker with exceptional therapeutic skills dealing with children who are frequently vulnerable and troubled. Darren Hughes from Stafford, a member of the business support team in the chief executive's office won the behind the scenes award. Despite dyslexia he is an information technology specialist.

Denise Hewitt, from Brownhills, a specialist worker who helps young adults with communications and learning difficulties received the care and commitment award. She is part of the Wellbeing Disability Team based at Lichfield.

Innovation award winner was Kath Beeston, a reablement manager based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, who has led pioneering work to help older people return to independent living

Mark Parkinson won the national award. He recently won the National Recycling Officer of the Year title. His work has included introducing plastic bottle recycling.

The council's information technology infrastructure team won the team award for work to update and standardise the county council's systems.