The historic Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, has been shortlisted for two national awards.

The hall is in the running to receive accolades from the Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs) and Historic Houses.

This marks the first time that Leighton Hall has been named as a finalist in the EVAs, the UK's largest business awards focused exclusively on women.

This esteemed honour recognises women who have made substantial impacts and significant differences in their local communities through entrepreneurship.

Lucy Arthurs, the estate manager at Leighton, will still need to impress the judging panel as she faces another grilling ahead of the awards ceremony, to be held at Blackpool Winter Gardens on September 27.

Ms Arthurs' EVA nomination has granted her access to a wide support network, including business coaching masterclasses and networking events with fellow finalists.

The team at Leighton HallThe team at Leighton Hall (Image: Wood & Co Photography)

The team are also celebrating their second finals nomination, from Historic Houses, in the Frances Garnham Award category.

This award recognises efforts of innovative methods and approaches to education and community engagement.

Historic Houses represents a vast array of independent and family-owned historic houses, castles, and gardens throughout the UK.

Ms Arthurs said: "It’s been quite a week.

"To be nominated in the EVAs is recognition of not just myself, but my mother’s inspiring example, the many incredible women on the Leighton team, how far we’ve moved from 'traditional' expectations, and the empowerment we aim to pass on to the next generations coming through.

"Historic Houses is an incredible organisation, enabling unique examples of British history to remain open, accessible, and inspirational.

"We won their Sustainability Award last year, so to receive further recognition for another of our passions, education, is further endorsement of our hard work and investment, including innovative school visits, forest school, community and charity partnerships, and building our new education hub to the highest environmental standards."

The Historic Houses award ceremony is set to take place in November.

Ms Arthurs said: "Recognition is a lovely bit of icing on the cake, but, day to day, making sure the icing on the cakes in our tearoom is up to standard definitely comes first!"