A KITCHEN porter who has walked four miles to work everyday for 25 years has been recognised with a prestigious award.

Alan Lenthall began catering for 800 students at Wellington College in 1992.

Although much his changed in the past 25 years, with more than 3,300 meals now plated up at the elite private school each day, the 41 year-old's routine has remained much the same.

Every morning Mr Lenthall leaves his home in Bracknell, where he lives with his mother Charlotte and brother Les, and walks the long road to Crowthorne.

In recognition of his tireless effort and professionalism, the kitchen porter was recognised with the top prize at catering company Sodexo's Service Excellence Awards.

“I’m shocked, I didn’t expect this at all," explained Mr Lenthall at the Ascot Racecourse ceremony on May 9.

"Working with Wellington College for 25 years has been a wonderful experience, seeing the changes in the management of the team and the college have been exciting.

"I am very pleased to have won Kitchen Porter of the year award, but to get the Kathy Ridgard Award is such a privilege.”

The Kathy Ridgard Award is presented in honour of Sodexo's Centre of Excellence's former director, who died from cancer in February 2013.

It is given to the employee of the world's largest service company who best exhibits team spirit.