A SPA therapist from Tankersley Manor Hotel has claimed third place in a national competition to find the ‘Spa Therapist of the Year’.

Molly Birch, 20, placed on the podium thanks to a high score from a mystery shopper and her award entry.

Molly, a recent graduate from Sheffield City College, said: “I have been working within the spa for less than a year.

“Although I feel like I have come a long way from my first day, I was still so shocked to be recognised with this nomination.

“I believe that a happy client makes a happy beauty therapist, and I treat my last client of the day just the same as my first.

“I want to make sure they feel like they have got real value from their appointment and leave feeling relaxed.”

The competition was launched last year by hotel chain RBH in partnership with luxury beauty brand ESPA.

It was open to therapists from 22 luxury spa hotels owned by RBH.

RBH’s spa and leisure director Dave Heap said: “Molly hasn’t been with us long but has made a huge impact during her time with as at Tankersley Manor and has fought off fierce competition to claim her place on the podium.”