TEMPORARY staff from local recruitment specialists WorkwithYork and WorkwithSchools were recognised for their hard work and outstanding contribution at an awards ceremony.

The recruitment agencies - which are trading divisions of City of York Trading Limited (CYT) - held their third 'Shining Stars' awards event at the Principal Hotel in York, which more than 150 guests attended.

Speaking about the event, Bill Colman, managing director of CYT (WorkwithYork and WorkwithSchools), said: "As a socially responsible and ethical employment agency this is our way of showcasing the many achievements of temporary staff in the workplace.”

Over the last 12 months their temporary staff have worked a staggering 440,000 hours, enabling local businesses to effectively manage increased demand.

Below are the award categories and winners:

- 'Winning Place to Work', sponsored by York Press - City of York Council Adults Commissioning. Their service was described as “so friendly and positive despite working on some very complex and demanding projects” and temporary staff had “constantly felt like a valuable member of the team despite their temporary status."

- 'Customer Service Star' - Lisa Booker, for being “an exceptionally able and valued member of the team.” “She responds promptly, professionally and efficiently to customer contacts; is a team-player and goes the extra mile to support team members and take on cases."

- 'Exceptional Colleague' - Lucy Colman, for being "enthusiastic with an amazing amount of energy with a drive to always change things for the better. She is thoughtful and listens to her team appreciating individual's talents and skills, making use of individual strengths which in turn strengthens the team. Lucy herself gives 100 per cent."

- 'Top Marks Teacher' - Mel Nicholls, who has “great relationships with staff and pupils and the atmosphere in his classroom is always a positive one."

- 'Employer of the Year' - City of York Council Internal Fleet. "As well as placing a number of staff within the service, including drivers, passenger assistants and walking escorts with them – these temporary staff were treated like permanent members of the team – and some had been there long term."

- 'Team of the Year' - Mansion House Team, City of York Council Civic & Democratic Services. Their Front of House team (WorkwithYork staff) received “so many compliments on their customer service, one of the team was a driving force in the future planning and processes and the other felt like he had been there from the start, learning so much in such a short space of time.”

- 'Multi Sector Marvel' - celebrating temporary staff working across different work areas using lots of transferable skills. The award was presented to Kestrel Webster.

- 'Specialist Superstar' - Julia Hughes, who has provided “advocacy support to some of the most vulnerable children and young people within the city.”

- 'Awesome Administrator' - Kirsty Wardle, who was praised for her “flexible can do approach to any assignment offered and always fitting in seamlessly to the team.” She was described as “conscientious” and “hard-working” as well as “going above and beyond her duties to ensure that the desired outcomes were delivered.”

- 'Manager of the Year' - Maureen Styring. Maureen is a senior manager working for Mosaic Fulfilment Solutions, a client of WorkwithYork. "She manages fluctuating demand in staffing and supplements her workforce with temporary workers; she’s a real professional and always makes time to explain her staffing requirements to the WorkwithYork team."

- 'Student Support Superstar' - Michelle Galloway, who has “provided invaluable support for some of the most challenging youngsters” and “stepped in at short notice to provide the youngsters with the continuity they so often need. She deserves recognition for her adaptability, creativity and above all her caring and nurturing approach.”

- 'Champion Carer' - Michael Payne, who received some wonderful nominations including: “If one of the children in Michael’s care wanted to climb a mountain, he would find a mountain, climb it first, make a flag with them and they would put it on top of that mountain - they wouldn't just go up a hill they would own that mountain”

The evening concluded with a grand prize draw, presented by the Sheriff of York, Verna Campbell.