THE co-founder of a Cheshire hotel group, which owns properties in Knutsford and Holmes Chapel, has been awarded a prestigious industry award.

Twenty-six-year-old Dominic Heywood of Flat Cap Hotels – which runs The Vicarage and soon-to-open Courthouse hotels – has won an Acorn Award, affectionately dubbed the top 30 under 30 awards.

Established in 1986, the awards serve to recognise the up-and-coming movers and shakers of the hospitality world.

Dominic, who founded Flat Cap Hotels with his brother Oliver in 2015, said: “I am thrilled and extremely proud to receive an Acorn Award.

“Over the last two years my brother and I have worked tirelessly in getting The Vicarage off the ground and the Acorn Award feels like the icing on the cake.

“With this award and The Courthouse in Knutsford close to completion, 2017 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for the group.”