A BARMAN who has worked in the same pub for 24 years was thrown a surprise party by its landlord to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Elvington's longest-serving bar steward, Gordon Ingleby, was given the night off by Grey Horse Inn licensee Bob Sykes to enjoy a glass or two of red wine, his favourite tipple.

Mr Sykes said: "Twenty-four years ago, the Sterriker family moved from The Crown at Shiptonthorpe, Market Weighton, to the Grey Horse Inn at Elvington and they brought Gordon with them. He's worked here ever since. He's just a good hard worker. When we first employed him he also worked as a postman, farm labourer and he was a barman in two pubs.

"Bless him, he's a workaholic. His reputation proceeds him in this village, he's well-known and well-liked."

Gordon, who lives in Everingham, has been employed by Mr Sykes and his wife Hazel twice. The couple first ran the pub between 1989 and 1993, then returned to buy it in November 1999. Dozens of villagers attended the bash to give birthday greetings to Gordon, whose passions in life are fast cars, his sheepdog, gardening and koi carp.

Madge Sterriker, who was landlady of The Grey Horse between 1979 and 1986, also attended the party.

Chef Francis Van Espen came in on his day off to prepare a party buffet and ice the birthday cake with a garden scene.

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, September 30, 2003