CHAMPAGNE corks popped at a Salisbury hotel on Tuesday as its head chef celebrated 40 years in the kitchen.

John Tobin came from Ireland to visit family in Salisbury in 1973 but ended up staying after falling in love with the city.

He started at the Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel, Harnham Road as a sous chef when he was 19 and within two years he was leading the kitchen team.

Mr Tobin said: “I fell in love with Salisbury and the hotel, which I see as being an extension of my home.

“I’ve had lots of offers to move elsewhere but I’m really happy here and I get on well with everyone.

“We’ve got a very close knit team who are used to working together – our sous chef Ken has been here for 19 years.”

Mr Tobin, who lives in Ashfield Road with his wife Joan, will also be celebrating another milestone next month when he reaches his 60th birthday.

Mrs Tobin has also worked on and off in the hotel’s restaurant for 40 years, and they have seen a number of changes over the years.

Mr Tobin said: “It certainly doesn’t feel like I’ve been here for 40 years and I still love the fact that every day is different.”

General manager Derek McNeill said: “It’s hard to imagine the Rose and Crown without John in the kitchen and we congratulate him on 40 years at the hotel, which is a tremendous achievement.

“John is hugely popular with all our staff and guests.”