After weeks of heart-warming nominations, Nicola Wilson of Goodwick Primary School has been crowned the Best Dinner Lady in Pembrokeshire!

Nicola's incredible 25-year journey in school kitchens has touched countless lives, earning her recognition not just as an exceptional cook, but as a pillar of her school community who truly embodies the spirit of caring – which is what makes dinner ladies so special.

The competition, launched in celebration of the Torch Youth Theatre’s upcoming production of ‘The Bangers & Chips Explosion’, received numerous touching nominations from across Pembrokeshire – including one nomination for an entire dinner lady team!

However, Torch team members were unanimous in their decision. Nicola’s story stood out as truly extraordinary, receiving multiple nominations. Starting as a kitchen assistant before taking on the head cook role, Nicola has become legendary for her attention to detail – knowing every single child’s allergy, intolerances, and preferences.

On reading the nominations, Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch said: “It's truly inspiring. The fact that she was planning to retire but couldn't bear to leave the kids says everything about her character."

He continues: “When we read that dinner numbers halved in her absence, it really drove home how much these unsung heroes mean to their school communities.

Nicola represents the very best of what dinner ladies bring to our children’s lives every single day.”

Amelie, the current Youth and Community intern noticed: “I have never seen a community rally around each other like this before, the impact these dinner ladies have had is really something to be proud of.”

Tim adds: “We are over the moon with all the love shown for dinner ladies across Pembrokeshire through this competition. The response has been incredible! Now that you've shown us how much these wonderful people mean to you, we encourage everyone to go and show them directly. They deserve to hear these kind words every day, not just during competitions.”

Torch Youth Theatre members present The Bangers and Chips Explosion from Monday, July 21 to Wednesday, July 23 at 6.30pm. To book tickets (£10 / £8 concessions), visit torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.