A hotel management student has been given a £1,000 scholarship towards her studies.

Lauren Howes started on her hotel management degree course at the Edge Hotel School on the University of Essex Colchester campus, as part of the February 2016 cohort.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the hotel school, founded by the Edge Foundation and the University of Essex to demonstrate the benefits of practical learning and address the skills shortage in the hospitality sector.

Lauren, from Wymondham, is delighted with her success.

'I really like what the Edge Foundation stands for,' she said. 'Learning by doing is something I strongly believe in.'

The Edge Foundation scholarship is awarded to students who aspire to achieve the highest levels in their studies and who wish to experience a more practical, hands-on approach to their education as a basis for their aspirational hospitality career.

With the Edge Hotel School offering two start dates during the year, Lauren spent six months working in the hospitality sector after leaving City College in Norwich.

'I worked at a private beach club on Long Island, New York and at the four-star Park Farm hotel in Hethersett to get some experience,' she explained.

'This course is teaching me the theory and the practical application of management skills.

'I now know that I want to pursue a role in hospitality training and development, I really enjoy helping other students to progress.'

Lauren will use the money to pay her expenses when she takes up some work experience opportunities during her holidays and she is looking forward to representing the Edge Foundation at a range of events.

Jane Samuels, head of projects and partnerships at the Edge Foundation, said: 'Lauren is a very worthy recipient of this scholarship.

'She is passionate about her chosen career and vocational education. Lauren recognises the value of learning in the 'real world' and the advantage that having workplace experience will give her in her future career.'

Have you got a Wymondham story? Contact South and West Norfolk editor Andrew Papworth by emailing andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk