Four hotel staff have won the first ever Lake District People Awards.
Sixty staff from hotels and tourism businesses were nominated for the awards, organised by the Lake District Hotels Association.
It was held at Armathwaite Hall Hotel, near Bassenthwait.
Marcell Cilliers, group operations manager for Lake District Hotels was named Outstanding Leader; Jean Smith, of Damson Dene Hotel reception won the Lake District Ambassador title; Mark Maynard, a food and beverage assistant at the Lindeth Howe Hotel won the Rising Star category; and Claire Ives, Langdale Estate sales manager was named Support Star.
The awards were supported by the Lakes Hospitality Association, LWC Drinks and Caterite.
Judges for the awards were leading figures from across the hospitality sector: Geoff Atkinson, former owner of the Salutation Hotel in Ambleside, Mike Bevans, former owner of the Linthwaite House Hotel, Beth Evans, head of sales for Caterite and Debbie Pyrah, account manager for LWC Drinks.
They said that Marcell demonstrated all the attributes of a great leader and brings the best out of all his team.
They added: “His management style is clearly appreciated by all those who work for him.”
They said “Jean is an amazing example of loyalty combined with her dedication to delivering the best possible welcome and guest experience of the lakes. She lives and breathes the region.”
Mark, they said, used hospitality to change the direction of his life and is using the opportunity that hospitality has given him to develop and advance himself.
Claire, they said, demonstrated her joy at being part of the Langdale business and showed her passion to support her team.
They added: “She always goes above and beyond what is expected of her.”
Chair of the Lake District Hotels Association Michael Coletta said: “In our industry, we aren’t just selling rooms, pouring drinks, or serving meals.
“We are in the business of creating lasting memories. We provide comfort, warmth, and joy against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.”
“You were not chosen by an outside panel or a distant committee. You were nominated by the people who see you grind every single day – your peers, your teammates, and your managers.
“In hospitality, we can fool a guest with a quick smile on a tough day. But you cannot fool your team.
“They see the extra miles you walk, the double shifts you pull, and the quiet ways you support those around you. To be nominated by the people who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the trenches is the ultimate validation.”
Each winner received £500.
