THE longest serving staff member at Bedford Hotel in Tavistock received recognition for his time with the establishment recently.

David Gee was presented with a certificate by manager Simon Rowe, to mark his 38th year of working at the hotel.

David starting working at the hotel part-time at the weekends as a kitchen porter and moved on to working full time on leaving school in 1974. He moved from kitchen porter to the hotel portering department before joining the housekeeping team.

Manager Simon Rowe said: 'David has over the years helped in other areas of the hotel with a spell as a DJ, but is happy ensuring our guests stay comfortable in our bedrooms.

'He has proven to be a very loyal member of the team here at the Bedford and has seen many changes over the years with many a tale to tell. He is as much a piece of the furniture as the hotel he polishes daily.'

David was presented with a certificate, a bottle of champagne and a meal for two as a thank you for his hard work.