A STUDENT from Northallerton has won a top accolade after graduating with a BA (Hons) in international hospitality and tourism management.

She has been crowned the UK’s Best Undergraduate Student of Tourism 2016 by the Association of Tourism in Higher Education.

Kate Rees, 22, attended Northallerton College and graduated from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh earlier this year.

She won the top title from the ATHE after being nominated by the university for achieving the highest mark of any QMU hospitality & tourism student for her dissertation on a tourism topic this year.

“I’m honoured to have received this award, it’s always nice to be recognised for your hard work and commitment and I feel like it’s the perfect way to end my time at QMU,” said Kate.

“Although I’m sad to leave after an amazing four years I’m excited and ready to see what the future holds for me.

“I’d like to thank all the lecturers at QMU who have helped me throughout my four years, it’s their support and dedication that helped me meet my full potential.”

The Association celebrates the impact that teaching, learning and research in tourism can have on society and its award scheme recognises excellence in building leadership and management capacity in the visitor economy.