A CHEERFUL cook has clocked up 30 years in a school canteen.

Julia Pugh has been behind the counter in Britannia House on the Upper Tything at the RGS Worcester since October 1979 and has witnessed several major changes and events along the way.

Originally starting in the Alice Ottley School boarding house – Baskerville House – on Shrubbery Avenue, helping the cook, Mrs Pugh moved on to the senior school site working in the pantry with vegetables, before moving to puddings, assistant cook and now cook.

Mrs Pugh looks back on her times at the school with great fondness and warmth.

She said: “I have loved every moment. The 30 years seem to have flown by.

“I remember my first day like it was yesterday, all the nerves and wonder about starting a new job, but just how friendly and welcoming all the staff were.

Brigitte Keen, kitchen manager at RGS Worcester, said: “She is always in a happy mood and gives everyone a warm welcome. It is a delight to work with Julia.

“I feel very fortunate in having her and such good staff. We are a close-knit group and work really well together.“