THE breakfast chef at a Dartmoor outdoor centre is celebrating 25 years of service this month.

Lorraine Owen, affectionately known as 'Spud', has made breakfast for more than 20,000 children and adults during 25 years of working at Pixies Holt Outdoor Centre at Dartmeet.

Brendan Stone, head of the centre, said: 'Spud is a vital part of the Pixies Holt team.

'Children get to do lots of exciting, adventurous and environmental activities at the centre but first and foremost they need to feel warm, well-fed and looked after — they won't be able to develop their personal and social skills if they feel hungry and homesick.

'This is why Spud's friendly character, helpfulness and massive breakfasts are so important.'

Penny Fildew, area youth worker, said: 'Spud is a gem. She is great with the young people and after one of her breakfasts we are set up for the day.

'I think the young people would like to live here and be fed like this every day.'

Pixies Holt became a residential centre for children and young people in 1967, run by Exeter City Council, later transferring to Devon County Council. It now forms part of the Devon Learning and Development Partnership.  

For centre enquiries contact Brendan Stone on 01364 631500.

Lorraine (Spud) is pictured with young people from Devon Youth Service who have been staying at Pixies Holt to complete their senior leader training, allowing them to run and support youth work projects in their towns and villages.