A PARKING attendant who “always goes the extra mile” is one of the Unsung Heroes of the industry who will be recognised at this week’s Brighton and Hove Hotel Awards.

Despite reaching retirement age and recently dealing with the unexpected loss of his wife, Jude Cowley-Freeman greets every guest at the Old Ship Hotel with a smile.

The 65-year-old Saltdean resident, who worked in security at Gatwick for 30 years, as well as on the railways, said he was honoured to be nominated for an award by boss Paul Wright.

Mr Cowley-Freeman said: “I’ve never won anything in my life.

“It’s a bit of a surprise but very exciting.

“After 30 years at the airport all I got was a £10 for stopping a girl with drugs.

“I told my daughters about it and they were so proud.

He added: “The hotel is a beautiful place to work. You get time to talk to people and really get to know them.

“I don’t know why I was nominated, but everyone says I’m a nice guy, so maybe that’s it.”

He once caused a minor fuss at the airport after denying access to Richard Branson.

Jude’s wife passed away last year but despite this he always puts hotel guests at the forefront of his mind.

Mr Cowley-Freeman added: “I was with my wife for 30 years so I do miss her – her nagging and coming home to her every day. I miss her big time.”

Paul Wright, general manager at The Old Ship, said: “Jude greets every guest with a smile and great enthusiasm despite at times working entire shift on their own.

“He always goes the extra mile with every guest. Not only does he do what he is supposed to with his role but also above this, with his role even being known to halt the traffic and pedestrians to let guests depart.

“Despite reaching retirement age Jude continues to be passionate about his role and is working beyond this.”

Another hotel worker up for the Unsung Hero award is Dave Rumble, food and beverage controller and cellar manager at the Hilton Brighton Metropole.

General manager Sascha Koehler said Dave was “self driven with a determination to achieve great results” and “consistently delivers a very high quality service which is over and above all expectation”.

He added: “Dave is a fantastic team player who does not have ‘no’ in his vocabulary. He takes pride in what he does. His positive attitude, willingness to learn and willing to help is his greatest strength.”