LIME Wood has won another accolade – just weeks after being crowned AA Hotel of the Year.

The five-star establishment near Lyndhurst has won the Employer of the Year (Private Sector) category in the HTP Awards for Excellence.

Run by Isle of Wight-based HTP Training, the awards salute organisations that have shown their commitment to apprenticeships.

Rachael Fidler, the company’s managing director, said: “The apprentices at Lime Wood are supported by the head chef, Luke Holder, who has played a pivotal role in helping the youngsters to hone their culinary skills and take their careers in the hospitality sector to the next level.

“Lime Wood currently has eight apprentices and is in the process of appointing a further four. The hotel is a worthy winner of this accolade.”

It comes just weeks after Lime Wood was named AA Hotel of the Year England at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by BBC presenter Kate Silverton.

The judges said: “This hotel truly sets the scene for the future of country houses.”