An employee at a West Cumbrian nuclear services business has beaten off competition from around 350 entrants to be given an excellence award.

Mandy Bell, business manager at Cavendish Nuclear, based at Westlakes Science Park, was among eight staff to be recognised for her achievements.

Parent company Babcock International awarded the employees across its support services division for delivering excellence to customers and maintaining the firm’s reputation.

The group was honoured at a celebration event at Drapers’ Hall in London.

Ms Bell said: “Cavendish Nuclear is the UK’s leading nuclear services business, so to win the award in such great company was a real honour.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunities Cavendish Nuclear has given me to develop myself and its continued support to my professional development.”

After initially starting her career with Cavendish Nuclear in 2005 as a scientific apprentice, Ms Bell was sponsored to do a degree in applied chemistry.

She was later on given the opportunity to be the business manager on a local framework, developing her skills in business development and project management.

In her role at the firm, she regularly takes part in activities designed to encourage the next generation of apprentices into the nuclear industry.

Other awards included employee of the year, health and safety and innovation.

John Davies, chief executive of Babcock Group’s support services division, said: “It is only through the continued hard work and dedication of our people that our division continues to succeed.

“This awards programme gives us a great opportunity to thank and recognise our employees who make a difference.”