Prison caterer wins BBC title

A prison chef in Surrey has been named the UK's Best Dinner Man in the BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards 2005.

Catering manager Al Crisci was credited with transforming the food served up at HM Prison High Down in Sutton, where prisoners might be doing porridge but are enjoying restaurant-quality food on a daily budget of just £1.68 a head.

The judges praised Crisci's innovative recipes and liberal use of fresh vegetables, along with a training scheme that allows prisoners to gain NVQs in food safety and preparation.

Crisci was presented with his award by Jamie Oliver, who scooped the BBC Food Personality of the Year award. The Best Takeaway accolade was shared by the Real Food Caf in Tyndrum, Perthshire, which was a Little Chef until a year ago, and Rhug organic burger bar in Corwen, Denbighshire.