A Cumbrian accountancy firm's newest recruit left her job as a waitress to pursue her business dreams.

Aspiring accountant Jess Gorman has joined JF Hornby & Co, working towards a level four qualification with the Association of Accounting Technicians.

She said: "I’m really happy to have joined JF Hornby – I am ambitious about my career and the future and felt that joining the business would give me opportunities.

"I was a waitress but studied business at A-Level and was keen to find a career which would allow me to build on the knowledge I gained.

"I worked at another local accountancy company for a year before joining JF Hornby and am now looking forward to learning about all aspects of the industry whilst working towards my AAT level four qualification."

Ms Gorman is the latest recruit to join The Hornby Academy, a programme launched in 2016.

The Academy was set up to invest in college leavers in the area seeking an alternative to university.

The programme is a 'tough' seven-year commitment designed to help students achieve chartered status.

She is following in the footsteps of past recruits who have achieved 'expertise, success and a variety of qualifications'.

Paul Hornby, managing director, said: "I’m delighted Jess has chosen JF Hornby & Co to progress her career in accountancy.

"The Hornby Academy has a growing reputation within the sector as a viable and enjoyable alternative to university, with all of our recruits benefiting from fully funded training, up to, and including, chartered status.

"I wish Jess the very best of luck in her career with JF Hornby & Co and hope it is a long and successful one."