An accountancy firm is celebrating having a record number of trainees working at the business.

JF Hornby and Co, in Ulverston, has seven trainee chartered accountants at the business - more than at any other time in its history.

The company is fully funding their training as it continues to build its portfolio of clients.

The seven currently working towards chartered status are Paula Poplawska, Rebecca Cronin, Esther Klijn, Catherine Steur, Luke Turner, Alex Yare and Abi-Gayle Aguirre.

Abi-Gayle, Alex and Paula joined the firm having already secured degrees, while the remaining four joined as apprentices directly from their local sixth form at Ulverston Victoria High School in Ulverston.

The apprentices are studying a five year degree at the University of Central Lancashire and towards the Associated Chartered Accountant qualification awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Managing director Paul Hornby said: “Of course at the moment, we are in a particularly challenging period, where the main focus of everybody, quite rightly, is the health of their families and friends.

“It is important we continue to support each other as colleagues though, as working in isolation can bring its own set of challenges.

“It’s really difficult to know whether to share positive news or not right now because business will always be secondary to health and happiness.

“But we felt on balance we should celebrate the hard work and achievements of these seven members of the JF Hornby team, hopefully to bring a little positivity to people’s days.”

Esther Klijn, 22, is in the fourth year of her degree studies and already working towards the ACA.

She opted for an apprenticeship over direct entry into university.

She said: “Coming straight from college into a full time position was significant change, but the last four years have been great.

“Studying for a degree whilst also spending time working in the office can be challenging, but we have so much support from our managers and also from Paul.

“He makes sure we get plenty of time to study and keep up with our university work, which is great.

"The fact there are four of us who are doing the same course also means there is a strong support network; we can discuss with each other where we are with assignments and progress.

“I certainly think I made the right decision.

"The likelihood is I will achieve chartered status earlier than if I had separately studied a degree and then moved on to it after gaining enough on-the-job experience.

"And I will not have any debts from university.”

Paul said nurturing talent was one of JF Hornby’s main goals.

“What we have found is that by investing in people who have a great attitude, willingness to learn, and of course a strong base level of understanding of the fundamentals of accountancy, we are building a team for the future," he said.

“Many of our magnificent seven have chosen to achieve their degrees and chartered status with us through an apprenticeship and as an alternative to going to university.

“So rather than accumulating huge debt over a period of time while studying for a degree, they are earning while they are learning and will ultimately achieve a standard which will enable them to grow and flourish in this industry.”