Twelve awards were presented to staff members of the Four Pillars Hotels group at its fifth annual gala awards evening, held at the Abingdon Four Pillars Hotel.

Managing director Ian Keeling said: "This is a people industry where service is paramount and I am lucky to lead a team of dedicated and talented individuals.

"The awards allow us to recognise those individuals selected by their colleagues who always go that extra mile, and to get together for a great evening of celebrations."

The winners were: Manager of the Year Emma Gillins, Witney; head office operations Stan Doyle, Witney; Back of house employee of the year Mick Tiddy, Buckingham; head office administration Maggy Bartan, Witney; trainee of the year Scott Norris, Osterley; kitchen craft trainee of the year Frank Hannerson, Abingdon; chef of the year Martin Bridgeman, Osterley; guest care Rachel Dallard, Buckingham; head of department of the year Chris Green, Oxford Thames; general manager of the year Neil Bird, Osterley; employee of the year Ryan Evans, Oxford Thames; hotel of the year Oxford Thames.