A TEENAGER embarking on a career in hospitality has become the first ever apprentice to receive a prestigious educational grant.

The Preston Trust, based in Stokesley, is providing financial support for Meghan Wilson, 16, who is currently part of the front of house team at the family-run bistro Howards.

Meghan is studying for her level 2 hospitality apprenticeship at Middlesbrough College.

She has been working at the Stokesley bistro since August 2016, when managers noticed the 16-year-old’s potential and offered to support her studies while she works full-time.

The new funding from the Preston Trust will help Meghan progress further with her studies at Middlesbrough College in courses including food hygiene and first aid. She hopes to progress to her level 3 hospitality apprenticeship and to become the youngest person in the country to obtain a personal licence for serving alcohol.

The Preston Educational Foundation provides financial support towards to young people in higher education or vocational training.

It uses funds invested from the sale of the old Preston Grammar School, formerly on College Square in Stokesley close to where Howard’s stands today.

The charity has now started to offer support for extra training and apprenticeships for the first time in its history in response to a change in demand in the educational marketplace.

Meghan said: “I have lots of plans to further my studies and I am really keen to try to get my personal licence- making me the youngest person in the country to obtain one.

"I am really enjoying working at Howard’s and want to build a career in the hospitality sector. I know it’s quite competitive so, to give me the best chance, I want to obtain the best qualifications I can.

"I am really grateful to the Preston Trust for agreeing to support my studies as it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to progress further.”