A Durham hotel has said goodbye to one of its most popular members of staff.

Assistant restaurant manager Bernardo "Bernie" Diaz Salcedo, 58, is retiring after 22 years of service at the Durham Marriott Royal County Hotel.

He is returning to live in his native Spain with his wife and family.

Coming to England in 1968 in search of work, Bernie first landed a job at another local hotel before moving to the Royal County, where he was taken on as a waiter, later becoming head waiter.

Presenting him with a bottle of vintage champagne, a print of old Durham and flowers for his wife, hotel manager Derek Harvey said: "We have the highest professional regard for Bernie, who will be missed by both staff and customers alike. We wish him and his wife a long and happy retirement."