A Mansfield travel agent has scooped a top honour at the industry’s leading awards.
Kelsey Goulding, of Thomas Cook’s Mansfield store, was named Young Leisure Agent of the Year at the annual Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards in London.

Thomas Cook head of retail Nicki Tempest-Mitchell said: “Kelsey is a talented member of our Mansfield team and it’s wonderful to see her being recognised for all her hard work.”

Kelsey, (21), joined Thomas Cook in 2014 when she was accepted on to the company’s two-year apprenticeship scheme, which was rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in 2015.

Nominated for the award by her apprenticeship assessor, Francesca Shanahan, Kelsey was shortlisted due to her positive approach in completing both her on-the-job training, as well as the studying she needs to complete her qualification.

Kelsey said: “Winning this award is incredible and makes all the studying and hard work towards my apprenticeship worthwhile.

“I love working with the public and helping our customers find their dream holiday is extremely rewarding.”

Nicki added: “The awards were a fantastic evening. Thomas Cook won four awards overall, including national travel agency — a fitting tribute as we celebrated 175 years in travel.”

Pictured are Lucy Huxley, of Travel Weekly; Young Leisure Agent Of The Year winner Kelsey Goulding; Angela Day, of sponsor Affordable Car Hire; and presenter Stephen Mulhern at the Agent Achievement Awards. Photo by Steve Dunlop