PUB managers from Stockton Heath and Warrington town centre were congratulated for their work with a House of Commons reception.

MP Faisal Rashid greeted Emily Clough, general manager of Slug and Lettuce in Stockton Heath, and Daniel White, general manager of Reflex/Babylon in Warrington town centre, at the House of Commons on Wednesday to congratulate them on graduating from Stonegate Pub Company’s 'Bar to Boardroom' management training programme.

The event celebrated the 200th general manager appointment from Stonegate's pool of home grown talent, having successfully completed the company’s ‘Accelerator’ programme.

Now in its 20th graduation cycle, the Accelerator programme has seen 200 deputy managers progress to managerial positions since its launch in 2013.

The course aims to build the participant's confidence, encourage continued independent learning and help them to work together effectively as team.

It also includes a practical component; participants must organise and produce a fundraiser event in their pub for a charity of their choice.

To date, the 200 Accelerators have raised more than £300,000 for UK charities between them.

The guests were given a tour of the House of Commons before the main event, hosted by Luton MP Gavin Shuker.

Stonegate chief executive, Simon Longbottom, commended the graduates and the Stonegate development team.

He said: “People are at the heart of what we do.

"We’re delighted to able to recognise the achievements of our incredibly hard-working Accelerators here at the House of Commons.

"The course is a shining example of how commitment in personal development can change people’s lives, as they fast become the company’s most promising managers and future industry leaders.

"Reaching our 200th milestone is a really proud moment for Stonegate and the House of Commons is a fitting place to celebrate."