TWO employees who have between them clocked up more than 70 years at a Worcestershire hotel were rewarded for their long service at a special awards ceremony.

Head housekeeper Maria Da Silva, who has spent 42 years at Stone Manor Hotel, near Kidderminster - now known as Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel & Restaurant - and her colleague Doreen Raymond, who has been front of house at the country house hotel for 32 years, received their rewards from Helena Hogarth, who co-owns the hotel with husband Andy.

The couple also own Hogarths Hotel & Restaurant in Four Ashes Road, Dorridge, Solihull, where the reception for 35 long serving members of staff with a total of 540 years service covering both hotels took place.

Steven Quick, group general manager for Hogarths, said: "It is a terrific endorsement to the running of both hotels that such a large number of staff have been with the business for so long. It was a fantastic occasion to celebrate a total of 540 years’ service with over 35 members of staff who have worked at our hotels in Solihull and Kidderminster. Helena and Andy Hogarth acquired Stone Manor Hotel in February where many of its team members have worked for many years, particularly Maria and Doreen.

“We wanted to thank everyone and show our appreciation which is why we decided to organise a long-service awards evening to celebrate the milestone achievements of each member of staff. To have so many team members who have been at the hotels for so long underlines that we are really a great hotel group to work for. The teams have worked so hard to provide great hospitality and service to our customers over many decades.

“We also presented Franco De Gregorio, who retired earlier this year as the restaurant manager at Stone Manor before we took over the hotel after more than 30 years’ service, with his long-service award. It was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion.”