For 20 years now, Mark Joshua has kept the pots and pans spick and span in the kitchens at Winchester's St Swithun's School.

To thank him for his loyalty and hard work, his employers, Sodexho, gave Mark (39) and his mother, Leila, a taste of the "star treatment".

They stayed for two days and a night at London's Savoy Hotel, where, at a presentation ceremony, Mark was hailed as one of the company's long-service "Star Award" winners.

Mark, who collected a wine decanter, said he was very proud to receive the award.

"I never get tired of what I do and I get on well with the people I work with," he added.

His dream is to one day become a chef and, perhaps, open his own restaurant in Winchester.