An apprentice has become one of the first in the UK to complete a new hospitality apprenticeship.

Chris Wilcox, who works at the The Grove hotel in Watford, has been awarded a distinction in the hospitality team member apprenticeship.

Mr Wilcox has been supported by HIT Training, which provides training for apprentices in the catering sector.

He said: “I didn’t really know what to do after I finished my A-levels and an apprenticeship in hospitality seemed like an exciting route to take because of the doors it opens into a variety of job roles. I’m thrilled to be one of the first.”

Sally Humphrey, front of house manager at The Grove, added: “We’re so proud of Chris. It can often be difficult for people to move into the job roles that they want and getting a hands-on approach, by doing an apprenticeship, has given him the opportunity to do exactly this."