A Carlisle accountancy trainee has been named among the top performing in the North.

Sam Bell, of Dodd & Co, was presented with the Professional Stage Presidents’ Award by the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants.

The accolade is awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence, by finishing in the top 20 of highest overall marks in the Northern Society Order of Merit and who have also made an exceptional contribution to their firm.

Sam joined Dodd & Co after finishing her A-levels at Nelson Thomlinson.

She is an active member of Caldbeck Young Farmers and plays a key role in the training of new apprentices within the firm.

Sam said “I am over the moon to have won the award.

“It was quite a shock just being nominated, but for my name to be called out was absolutely amazing!

“I am still on cloud nine following the dinner, which was such a fantastic night. I am so grateful to everyone at Dodds for all of their support and I can’t wait to see what the future holds when I complete my final exams very soon!”

Jeanette Brown, partner at Dodd & Co said “We are all so proud of Sam and her award.

“She is a credit to the firm and a truly determined, hardworking individual so she thoroughly deserves every merit for this fantastic achievement. Sam has great potential in her career, and we can’t wait to see what else she will accomplish in the future.”

Dodd & Co’s Lewis Dickinson was also a nominee in the Advanced Stage category. Lewis was nominated last year which means that for two years running he has achieved marks in the overall top 20 but has also made it into the top five students in the Northern Society Order of Merit.

The dinner, which was attended by around 170 society members and guests, raised almost £3,000 for Macmillian Cancer Support.