A CUMBRIAN hotel has become the first in the county to be accredited by a national charity for the quality of its work experience training.

Sharrow Bay, in Ullswater, has received this recognition from Springboard, which aims to help people into work.

The hotel takes part in the charity's INSPIRE scheme, which is specifically designed to create quality work experience in the hospitality industry.

To be accredited businesses must undergo an assessment, follow a step-by-step guide and prove they offer exceptional work experience.

Sharrow Bay received the accreditation due to the experience of two students - Layla Wells and Clare Harbot.

Both work in the hotel's patisserie (pastry) division under the supervision of Paula Richardson, the hotel's head pastry chef.

Miss Wells, came to the hotel from Brighton on a school placement.

Miss Harbot, from Orton, also arrived this way and is now studying at Kendal College.

She works for the for the hotel at weekends.

Oliver Smith, the hotel director for Sharrow Bay, said: “We are very proud to be the first business in Cumbria to receive accreditation from Springboard for its INSPIRE scheme.

“We have always been conscientious in providing the young people who come to us with the best possible work experience and so to have that formally acknowledged in wonderful."

Mr Smith added: "We are very pleased with the progress both girls are making and they are very much on our radar to join our team permanently when they achieve their qualifications.”

Sharrow Bay has been open since 1948.

Some of the biggest names in the UK’s hospitality industry are involved in INSPIRE.

These include the Savoy Hotel in London, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, which is run by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc in Oxfordshire, as well as luxury hotel chain Four Seasons.

Several other Cumbrian businesses also participate in the scheme and are working towards accreditation.

For more information on the INSPIRE scheme visit www.springboard.uk.net.