Nine teenagers have stepped onto the first rung of their career ladder in the hospitality sector, thanks to a hotel group’s unique training initiative.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has recruited the cohort to train as commis chefs as part of its Culinary Academy’ which was set up last year.

The two-year apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with multi-award winning local chef Steven Doherty and Kendal College, trains the youngsters to become commis chefs while under the employment of the hotel group.

Former Ulverston High School pupils Niamh Kelly, Aidan Fisher, Ethan Cole, Alfie Danson, and Jamie Butterworth will all take up posts at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Archie Brown from Endmoor and Matthew Shaw from Barrow will undertake their apprenticeships at Waterhead Hotel and Jordan Michie from Heysham and Simon Craven from Silverdale join Morecambe's Midland Hotel.

Mr Doherty said: “This is the second annual intake of students for the English Lakes Culinary Academy after a hugely enjoyable and productive inaugural year in 2017. It’s a great way to give young trainees the grounding they need within the industry."

The Culinary Academy is fully accredited to deliver the commis chef apprenticeship standard approved by the Government.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues chairman and managing director Simon Berry added: “There aren’t many hotel or restaurant businesses in Cumbria or the North West which have recruited nine new chef apprentices at any one time.”