MANAGEMENT and staff at a Bolton restaurant are celebrating after receiving a prestigious national award from the British Epilepsy Association (BEA).

The Mill House at Middlebrook has been granted BEA's Gold Award for Employment following a BEN story about employee, Stephen Prince.

Stephen has epilepsy and, after almost 40 job interviews, was convinced his condition was preventing him from getting work - even though he had 18 years catering experience.

However, when 38-year-old Stephen applied for the post of kitchen assistant at the Mill House, he was offered the job on the spot.

"I'd mentioned my epilepsy at every interview and by the last one I was convinced that's why I hadn't been successful - it was really upsetting, especially as I've done the job for the past 18 years," he said.

But manager of the Mill House, Ricky Jarvis, had no hesitation in employing Stephen, who lives in Horwich.

"Stephen told me he had epilepsy during the interview but, to be honest, it wasn't an issue," he said.

"He has a wealth of catering experience and I knew he was the person for the job - and I've been proved right.

"He's an excellent kitchen assistant and an important part of the team here at Mill House.

"Stephen has told us all what to do if he has a seizure at work and we are confident we'd be able to help him should that happen."

Simon Newton, from the Bolton branch of the BEA, said: "The Mill House certainly deserves this award and I would like to say thank you to the Bolton Evening News for covering the story.

"It's great that employers like the Mill House are recognised as helping people with epilepsy - not discriminating us."

Stephen added: "I really enjoy working here, I love the job and my colleagues are great.

"They all know I have epilepsy but they don't treat me any different - in fact," he joked, " I'm sure they make me work harder."

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