AWARD-WINNERS from Bolton found themselves surrounded by controversy when they attended a ceremony in London.

They were at a public service workers "oscar-style" event where the main speaker was Prime Minister Tony Blair.

But the ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre at Westminster became front-page news when Mr Blair suggested that nurses and teachers should accept low pay in return for moves to boost their self-esteem.

Bolton social services committee chairman Cllr Cliff Morris was there to collect an award on behalf of catering staff who had won a Charter Mark Award for public services.

He said: "I was surprised when I saw the newspapers. The Prime Minister's speech didn't seem at all controversial to me.

"He was really just saying what a good job public service staff were doing and how dedicated they were.

"But some people seem to have put a different interpretation on it.

"It was very pleasing that the Prime Minister came along to the awards ceremony and recognised the work of public service."

He also praised the staff who won the award. He said: "The catering staff's award was the only one of its kind in the North-west."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Bob Ronson also joined in the praise at a social services committee meeting.

He said: "The quality of meals they provide is excellent."

Other local Charter Mark winners were Greater Manchester ambulance service, the Royal Bolton Hospital's eye unit and Bolton tax office.

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