THE manager of Slug and Lettuce in Bromsgrove attended a special ceremony at the House of Commons to mark his graduation from a management training programme.

Sam Patrick was congratulated by MPs at the event on Wednesday, September 12, after he became one of 200 'accelerators' to complete Stonegate Pub Company's award-winning 'Bar to Boardroom' scheme.

Now in its 20th cycle, the programme is designed to give employees the tools to bridge the gap between deputy manager and general manager through education and group learning.

It consists of three workshops - creating a winning mind, winning in communication, and winning in business - and a fundraising event in the managers' pubs for a charity of their choice.

Sam said: "The event to celebrate 200 homegrown general managers was a fantastic day.

"Lots of managers met with their MPs and we went on to further celebrate and present the Toy Project with over 200 gifts donated by the managers to the charity.”

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 said: "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."