WORKERS from libraries and day centres were among Dorset County Council staff recognised at a special awards ceremony.

They were rewarded for their achievements at the third Pride Awards, held at Blandford School on Monday.

Colehill librarians Angela Wheeler and Kathy Warren, based at one of 20 libraries threatened with closure, were congratulated for giving outstanding customer service.

Wareham library manager Judith Leyman was named manager of the year while Juniper Day Centre, in Christchurch, picked up team of the year.

The award for ‘dignity, respect and kindness in care’ went to Siobhan Davies, from the learning disability team, with Amanda Hayes from children’s services named young employee of the year.

Dorset’s Partnership for Older People Project was the council’s chief executive David Jenkins’ choice for innovation, and Tom Bracey from business change and efficiency, got the employee of the year.

The staff awards, now in their third year, aim to celebrate the achievements of staff in a number of categories.

Staff were nominated by colleagues or members of the public and nominees were short-listed by a panel including council Leader Angus Campbell, Chief Executive David Jenkins, members of staff and members of the public.

One award – dignity, respect and kindness in care – was jointly run with NHS Dorset, whose chairman Jacqueline Swift helped to shortlist and present the award.

There was also a new award this year for young employee of the year, recognising the efforts of members of staff aged 25 or under.

Chief executive David Jenkins said: “In the difficult times we face in the public sector, it is all the more important that we celebrate and recognise the outstanding commitment and enormous contributions made by our staff. Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who was nominated or received a qualification certificate.”

And the Pride Awards winners were: dignity, respect and kindness in care - Siobhan Davis, learning disability team; outstanding customer service - Angela Wheeler and Kathy Warren, Colehill library team of the year, Juniper Day Centre, Christchurch; manager of the year - Judith Leyman, Wareham library; young employee of the year - Amanda Hayes, business support, children’s services; employee of the year - Tom Bracey, business change and efficiency; chief executive’s award for innovation - Dorset’s Partnership for Older People Project (POPP).