HE'S seen many an afternoon tea come and go in his time.

Now this long-serving maître d' is set to mark half a lifetime at a world-renowned café with a special cake for himself.

Alan Stockdale, 60, will celebrate 35 years of work at Bettys Café Tea Rooms, in St Helen's Square, next month.

He started work as a head chef in 1972, met his wife, Wendy, when she worked as a waitress there in 1979, and is now the café's front-of-house face.

"I think there is a good chance I might have an extra tea and cake," he said of his anniversary, which comes on June 22.

Alan, who lives in Heworth, said the tearoom, which celebrates its 70th birthday on June 1, had always been an interesting place to work.

He said: "The place itself has changed from day to day and it could in no way be described as boring. Every day is different.

"It has always been popular but I think our appeal is because it is something different, and special.

"For elderly people and visitors it is often top of their list when they come to York."

Paula Kaye, manager of Bettys York, paid tribute to Alan, saying: "It's not just our customers who think fondly of Alan.

"The staff here really value his friendly manner and years of experience and expertise in outstanding service."