Employees of Dorset County Council have been recognised for their hard work and achievements at the annual staff Pride Awards.

The event gave councillors, the chief executive and staff from across the council the chance to thank people personally for their commitment, skill and enthusiasm.

Debbie Ward, chief executive, said: “These individuals and teams have gone the extra mile to provide excellent services and I would like to congratulate them on their achievements.”

Dorset residents and county council staff were asked to nominate individuals and teams that they felt deserved special recognition for the excellent services they provide.

Short-listed nominees came from across the diverse range of the county council’s staff, including highways, children’s services, outdoor education, arts development, and a day centre for people with dementia.

The winners of the Pride Awards were Stephanie Leitch as young employee of the year, Claire Shiels as employee of the year, Mike Hoskin as manager of the year and Dorset Direct for outstanding customer service.

The children’s services legal team scooped the Leader’s Award for health wellbeing and safeguarding, whilst the chief executive’s award for innovation inspiration and inclusion went to the arts development team.

Team of the Year joint winners were the Acorns Day Centre Team, Adult and Community Services and Consultation and Research Team and the Chief Executive’s department.