A BOLTON Abbey hotel manager has been awarded a prestigious catering and hospitality award for showing outstanding talent and flair in his field.

Stuart Procter, 24, general manager of the Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, is one of the youngest winners of this year's Acorn Award - a top honour in the hotel industry.

Since arriving at the hotel 11 months ago, Mr Procter, who trained at Northcote Manor, has overseen the hotel's best financial year yet - plus the refurbishment of 26 bedrooms. He has also developed a training programme and apprenticeship scheme to encourage other trainees.

"It's fantastic. It's the first award I've won and I'm delighted," said Lancashire-born Mr Procter. "It's good for me and really good for the hotel."

The Devonshire Arms has three AA red stars and was recently awarded an RAC blue ribbon for excellence.

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