A familiar face at The Golden Lion Hotel in St Ives has been awarded a coveted national hotel award.

Jason Missen won The Coaching Inn Group's 'Unlocking Potential Award' against more than 1,500 people that the group employs across the country.

Jason was recognised as the management team member who has embraced career development and truly unlocked the most potential with The Coaching Inn Group by progressing through the ranks.

The Hunts Post: Jason accepted his award and a bottle of champagne at a ceremony in Lincoln. Jason accepted his award and a bottle of champagne at a ceremony in Lincoln. (Image: The Coaching Inn Group)

A surprised and delighted Jason was presented with his trophy at the group's annual awards ceremony in Lincoln on May 9 and said: "I really enjoy working with my colleagues here at The Golden Lion and welcoming all our hotel guests and regulars, so gaining the accolade was really just the icing on the cake."

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Jason, 29, grew up in the town and first joined the team at the hotel behind the bar and as a waiter five years ago.

Since then, he has never looked back, taking full advantage of all the group's in-house training programmes and has now been appointed deputy general manager.

Group head of people, Lee Melton, said Jason was a "shining example of just what could be achieved with commitment and enthusiasm" and "was a most worthy winner of the Unlocking Potential Award."