An apprentice-turned-director at Northumberland National Park Authority has been celebrated to mark International Women's Day.

Hazel Fitzsimmons joined in 1996, just two weeks after completing her GCSE exams.

From initial duties in administration, she climbed the authority's hierarchical ladder to ultimately take on the role of director of finance and resources, 28 years later.

Ms Fitzsimmons started her journey with a Youth Trainee Apprenticeship, supporting the finance team whilst performing her primary administrative duties.

As the park became an independent entity, she secured a permanent job as a finance officer.

She benefitted from a managerial culture that valued staff development, with her supervisor personally mentoring her and encouraging further professional education.

Throughout her early career, Ms Fitzsimmons was presented with opportunities to extend her skillset, knowledge, and expertise.

This included in-house payroll management and work to secure her chartered accountant status, with provisions made for study leave.

A major organisational restructure in 2011 opened the doors for her to take on the role of finance manager.

As she juggled motherhood and career development, the park remained flexible to her needs, permitting job-sharing to meet her new family commitments.

She then took on a major responsibility in managing the finances and Heritage Lottery funding for the construction of The Sill: Landscape Discovery Centre, a project exceeding £10 million.

Hexham Courant: Hazel Fitzsimmons joined in 1996, just two weeks after completing her GCSE exams

Hazel Fitzsimmons said: "When I hear about the challenges some women face in the workplace, it could not be more different to my experience at Northumberland National Park."

In recognition of its significant female contribution, representing 70 per cent of the workforce, the park authority was awarded most inspiring female medium business employer by the North-East Chamber of Commerce in 2022.

Tony Gates, chief executive officer at Northumberland National Park Authority, said, "The National Park Authority has established routes for professional development across the organisation.

"Notably, our workforce boasts a high percentage of accomplished women, underlining our steadfast commitment to supporting and advancing a workforce which helps everyone fulfil their potential."

International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8, seeks to honour women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while also accelerating moves towards gender equality.