A SCHOOL cook has been hailed as the “ultimate professional” after a quarter of a century at Archbishop of York Junior School.

School pupils and guests, including the Mayor and Lady Mayoress of York, made sure Kate Woods got a sizzling send-off at her retirement party last week.

Kate joined the school in 1985, and has since served up countless meals for pupils at the Bishopthorpe school.

Head teacher Jonathan Green, who worked with Kate for 17 years, praised her commitment to healthy eating.

He said: “We’ll miss her desire to do what’s right and to do more than the job demanded. Her value can’t be measured in pounds and pence, and she’s sensitively encouraged children to get into good eating habits.

“She’s fit as a fiddle and a great model for the children. She literally walks the walk and so is entitled to talk the talk.”