King’s Hall School, Taunton, won gold in the Taste of the West Awards 2010 for sourcing locally produced food and educating pupils about supporting local suppliers and the community.

It scooped the accolade in the South West Local Food in Schools category.

The King’s Hall catering department attempts to minimise food miles on all produce to ensure freshness and support the local economy.

Pupils are educated about the benefits to the environment associated with sourcing food locally.

The judges’ report said: “Not only good use of local produce, but also utilising local producers to promote the benefits of using local suppliers.

“There is good communication between the caterers and the school which is reflected in your approach to providing quality meals utilising local produce.

“The pupil council is another good concept to develop communication and involving the pupils in developing a food culture.

“You are a fine example of how a proactive approach to providing sustainable local produce can involve everyone.”

Catering Manager Liz Colbourne said: “To receive the gold award is an honour and very exciting for the catering department at King’s Hall. We enjoy what we do very much and feel it is extremely important that the pupils learn about food and supporting their local community.”