30th Jun 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Carlo Paganini, an employee of Sodexo Prestige for 14 years, has been honoured with the 'Star of Merit of Work Award'.
The accolade honours citizens of Italy on their merits of expertise, hard work and good moral conduct in either the public or private sector.
Carlo, who will now be referred to as 'Mdl' Carlo Paganini, meaning First Rank of Knight, was presented with his award at the Italian Cultural Institute earlier this month in the presence of the Italian Ambassador for the UK, Giancarlo Aragona.
Just 700 people across the world were presented with this award this year, with just four people being from the UK.
To qualify for the award the participant needs to have 35 years of uninterrupted employment, have an unblemished working record and an Italian passport.
Carlo commented on his proud moment: "I never considered putting myself forward for this award… but a friend of mine who I was in the Armed Forces with suggested I go for it so I applied. Receiving the phone call from the Italian Embassy was the proudest moment of my life and is something I will always cherish."