A Windermere hospitality manager achieved a promotion after achieving new qualifications.

Gary Tennant recently returned to Lake District-based English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues after a two-year spell working at another venue.

He has now been named as the new manager of the health club and spa at the group’s flagship venue, Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa.

Having served as food and beverage manager at Lancaster House Hotel during an 18-year stint there, Gary longed for a return to the group and, as luck would have it, a managerial post opened in the resort’s health club and spa.

Gary said: “The chance to return to Lancaster House turned out to be a great career move.

“I was seeking to get a better work life balance for myself and the family and the switch to health and leisure gave me a new lease of life.

“I had fantastic support in getting new qualifications and cannot wait to get started.

"There’s a change of emphasis between food and drink and leisure and health – both require strong customer service skills and building a rapport with guests, but the latter is more about the coaching aspects which I really enjoy.”

Gary will take the position at Low Wood Bay’s health club and spa from Annabel Berry, who has moved up to a new role within the hotel group as product development and training manager.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues group leisure manager Michael Kay said: "Gary’s story of progression up the career ladder is fascinating and his return to us hopefully shows we’re on the right track with staff welfare and training.

"The interpersonal skills he’s developed in his time in food and beverage, coupled with new qualifications, will serve him well within his new position in the company.”