Bosses at the Somerset Coast branch of the YMCA say they are delighted after one of the charity’s projects was nominated for an award just eight months after it opened.

The YMCA purchased Barley Wood House, in Wrington, last year and has been working to transform the former stately home into a day nursery and a wedding venue. Both functions operate as social enterprise schemes which give apprentices the chance to gain experience and qualifications in hospitality, childcare and grounds management.

Barley Wood has now been nominated in the work experience provider of the year category at the Weston College Business Awards, which were established six years ago.

Martin Hodgson is the chief executive officer of YMCA Somerset Coast. He said: “It is incredibly exciting that within just eight months of opening, we have been nominated for this award.

“It bodes well for our future at Barley Wood and for the young people we will be working with. It has also spurred us on through the final stages of the building’s refurbishment.”

The YMCA also confirmed it is continuing Barley Wood’s use as a building which benefits the wider community by setting up links with nearby scout groups.

The charity said it is in the process of establishing an agreement to use the space with the 1st Burrington and Wrington group, and is also looking into the possibility of setting up an open space at the site for more members of the community to enjoy.