Bidfood has, for the second year running, rewarded the unsung heroes of hospitality through its Christmas Gift campaign.

Andy Kemp: ‘A huge thank you is in order.’

The winners – including pub and hotel managers, hospital chefs and community volunteers – have between them given up over 60 Christmases at home to benefit others.

With the number of people dining out on Christmas Day rising by 240% in five years, those in hospitality have a different festive experience to those they are serving. Some 93% of hospitality workers accept there is a chance they will have to work on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

From over 100 nominations, the judging panel selected five winners across four industry sectors to be treated to a meal with family and friends. They were also given a Virgin Experience Days voucher.

Andy Kemp, Bidfood sales & marketing director, said: “A huge thank you is in order, not just to the winners and finalists, but all of the entrants whose incredible efforts and generosity certainly don’t go unnoticed at Christmas.”