DURING the past two and a half years, the Crown and Sceptre in Newton St Cyres, under the leadership of Simon Lovell and Madeleine Byrne, has grown strength-by-strength to be an award-winning community asset/haven and an establishment known for its value for money, highly acclaimed freshly prepared/cooked local food, quality ales, great service and warm hospitality. Now the Crown and Sceptre has two more accolades to celebrate and add to its belt. Not only has this friendly village pub invested in the local community but also the training of its staff to a national standard, for its quality of service, future development and staff security. This support and training has been recognised by Exeter College, as two of the pub's team have just been awarded Level 2 Catering and Hospitality Apprentice of the Year 2014 and Level 2 Catering and Hospitality Work Based Learner of the Year 2014! Sophie Mitchell, front of house bar supervisor and senior member of the team, worked hard in achieving the Work Based Learner of the Year Award, by achieving her NCPLH Personal Licence and Level 2 NVQ in Hospitality Food, Bar and Drink Service. She attended the college once a week and had a great deal of additional learning and study to complete at work. Marcus Davey, chef, also put in the additional hours required which helped him achieve his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery. He attended the college one day each week and also had to learn new skills in the workplace. Marcus started working in the kitchen when he was 16 and then, after a few years working for Morrisons, took the decision to go back and re-train as a chef, becoming an apprentice chef at the Crown and Sceptre. Both said they were thrilled to receive respective awards. The Crown and Sceptre is five star hygiene rated by Mid Devon District Council and has been recognised for the quality and selection of fine ales offered to customers by Exeter CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). Simon and Madeleine are pleased that the public house has maintained a competitive pricing structure and raised thousands of pounds for local charities/local assets and helped with the implementation, along with other members of the parish, to build a Community Support Group. Simon congratulated Marcus and Sophie on their awards and said: "We are proud of the dedication of all of our team members and support them well in all their training needs, but both Sophie and Marcus have gone above and beyond and gone that extra mile this year. Well done and congratulations to you both!"