A “bright and enthusiastic” Andover housing industry young professional is one of three to be named as the top regional trainees by employer Persimmon Homes South Coast.

Former waitress Sophie Walters was described by the company as grasping every training opportunity offered turning her into a fully-fledged sales advisor after just six months.

Based at The Paddocks in Andover, the 22-year-old was said to be ambitious and driven, and becoming a true achiever according to her manager Nicole Creighton.

Emma Arnold from Warminster and Lewis Jenkins from Eastleigh were also named in the company’s Young Achiever Awards.

Persimmon Homes South Coast managing director Matt said: “The housebuilding industry offers so many opportunities for young people to carve out a successful and long-lasting career, and the Young Achievers Awards were set up to celebrate those trainees who are already making an impact in the business.

“Each of these young people have proven themselves in their chosen sector, delivering superb customer service and helping us to provide quality new build homes for people across the South Coast region.”