TWO city caterers who have been at a Worcester school for almost 20 years have served their last plate of chips.

Brenda Hughes and Dinah Gwilliam had been in partnership with each other for 25 years, and spent the last two decades serving lunches at Nunnery Wood High School, in Spetchley Road.

The pair had become firm favourites with pupils and staff alike, but they decided to retire after changes in the industry made it difficult for a small firm to compete.

And the school showed its appreciation of years of quality catering with bouquets of flowers on their last day on Friday.

"It was the right time to call it a day," said 58-year-old Dinah.

"We have had a great time and enjoyed ourselves very much and it will be difficult to leave.

"But it's time for us to relax after all the hard work we put into the business over many years."

Her good friend and senior partner, Brenda, aged 65, was also sad to be leaving the school after two decades of fine foods.

"It's been absolutely fantastic and we will still keep our links with the school open," she said.

"We are retiring on very good terms and I'm sure I'll pop back in to help out from time to time.

"Dinah and I have also become very close over the years and we'll certainly see each other for coffee whenever we can."

Headteacher Alun Williams acknowledged the end of an era.

"After almost 20 years, both Brenda and Dinah will be sadly missed," he said.

"They are very much loved by staff and pupils and we wish them the very best for the future."