Armstrong Watson has welcomed 37 new graduate trainees.

This is a record number for the Cumbria-based firm, surpassing last year's total of 28.

The accounting, business and financial advisory company, with offices across northern England and Scotland, continues to invest in young people.

The newly admitted students, including five based in Carlisle, will diligently strive to bag their ACA qualification and become Chartered Accountants.

Remarkably, three of the graduate students this year were former AAT apprenticeship trainees in the same firm, now progressing to train as Chartered Accountants.

Their three-year training programme commences in September, expertly blending study with practical experience alongside support, coaching and mentoring from the business.

Armstrong Watson has an annual tradition of welcoming graduate trainees, a ritual that has seen growth over the past year.

In addition to growing organically, the firm has expanded through the acquisition of the Cumbria-based Gibbons Accountants.

They also relocated its Carlisle headquarters to a spacious Rosehill office.

Paul Dickson, CEO and managing partner, said: "We have a long history of growing our own talent and strongly believe in investing in our people as our people are our business, providing solutions to our clients.

"Our training programme provides us with an incredible pool of talent, many of which go on to have successful careers within the business.

"We are delighted to welcome a record number of ACA students this year and look forward to seeing them progress in their roles."

He further added: "We invest in ambitious individuals who are keen to launch their careers and take advantage of the development we offer.

"With 19 offices across the North of England and Scotland and several different service lines supporting our clients, there’s a huge range of scope for career direction and development available to those who choose to join us on this exciting journey."