MARKETING manager Andrea Jobes has won an Acorn Award, recognising her as one of the hospitality industry's brightest young stars.

The 27-year-old, from Sedgefield, is marketing manager at the Newton Aycliffe-based Government Services division of Compass Group, which provides food and support services to public sector organisations across the UK.

The Acorn Awards are presented annually by industry magazine Caterer and Hotelkeeper to 30 high fliers, all aged under 30.

After joining Compass Group in 1998 as human resources/finance administrator, Andrea chose to develop her career as a marketing manager.

She is responsible for marketing activity covering Government Services' 2,000 sites in the UK, including schools, Army, Navy and RAF bases, prisons and police stations.

Andrea, who graduated from Teesside University with a degree in marketing, said: "I was completely shocked when I heard that I had won the Acorn Award.

"Government Services is a close-knit team and I get great support from my colleagues.

"I wouldn't have been able to achieve half the things I have without their help - it's all about teamwork."