YOUNG members of staff from GSK Ulverston have been honoured at a national science awards ceremony in London.

Rachel Lund, 23, who is based at Ulverston during her first year on GSK’s Future Leaders' Programme, won the Graduate of the Year award while 21-year-old Hannah Bell, from Barrow, was named the Higher Apprentice of the Year.

Meanwhile, Liam Mitchell, 25, from Ulverston, completed a hat-trick of successes for GSK Ulverston by being named as runner up in the Advanced (Manufacturing) Apprentice of the Year category.

The awards - presented at the Science Industry Skill Awards at the Mountcalm Hotel - celebrated the success of apprentices, providers and employers who have excelled in contributing to the development of skills across the science sectors.

Hannah has now been offered a permanent job with the Supply and Logistics team at GSK on the completion of her studies.

“It was a wonderful surprise to be named as an award winner and I’m also absolutely thrilled that Rachel and Liam were recognised for their hard work too,” she said.

“I really enjoy studying and learning and GSK has supported me all the way to develop academic and professional skills with hands-on experience in a workplace environment.”

Liam is doing an advanced apprenticeship in manufacturing with GSK Ulverston, working towards a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations.

Phil Wilson, the GSK site's Biopharm 'lead', said: “We’re delighted to see that the efforts of Hannah, Rachel and Liam have been rewarded with national accolades. It’s important to celebrate the achievements of those who have exceeded expectations and shown a dynamic, innovative and committed approach to training and honing their skills.

“We aim to give our apprentices a varied and diverse range of opportunities to develop a career direction. These awards go a long way to highlighting how young people can embark on highly skilled and engaging careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”