By Paul Brown
The hard work of Villa's 500-strong team of matchday operational staff was celebrated at the Opstars Awards.
The club runs a unique scheme that offers matchday staff incentives during the season.
Staff from various departments came together for a special awards ceremony in the Holte Suite, where a host of gongs were handed out in a series of categories.
Among the winners was Peter Reed who received an outstanding contribution award for his long service to the hospitality and events department.
Kevin Annett, who has already received a clutch of awards in his short career, was handed the young chef of the season gong for delightful dishes.
Three years ago, he excelled when he was voted Midlands young chef of the year.
Kevin, who began work at Villa in November 2004 as assistant chef in the Cornerflag, was presented with this award at the Marche awards dinner in front of over a thousand guests at Birmingham's ICC.
Peter Inger emerged victorious in the best chef category after making mouth-watering meals all season.
Villa's own pastry chef Craig Gent, who wowed diners at the 'chocoholics' event held in VMF a few weeks ago, was handed the special achievement award.
Other notable winners included Elliott Myers in the best food service assistant category, Michael Jones in the best executive supervisor category, Andrew Roadknight in the best kitchen porter category and Geraldine Mathewson in the best kiosk cook category.
Winners
Elliott Myers - First place in best food service assistant category
Michael Jones - First place in best executive supervisor category
Rude Kabeya - First place in best executive manager category
Herve Basabose - First place in best bar team leader category
Jeanette Gibbons - First place in best host/hostess category
Daniel Smith - First place in best executive bar staff category
Andrew Roadknight - First place in best kitchen porter category
Charlene Steele - First place in best kiosk supervisor category
Taureen Bennett - First place in best kiosk operative category
Geraldine Mathewson - First place in best kiosk cook category
Peter Inger - First place in best chef category
Michael O'Donnell - First place in best matchday customer service host category
Kevin Annett - First place in the young chef of the season category
Natasha Geen - First place in best matchday support category
Craig Gent - Special achievement award
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