NORMALLY the day before you start your job people say: "Break a leg."

But that theatrical expression of good luck was taken too far by Adam Lloyd.

He was due to start his new job as manager of the Harrogate Moat House Hotel, but fell over in a playground game and broke his leg in three places.

Mr Lloyd, who came limping in to take on his new job four months late, said: "I'd like to say that I was a stand-in for the Milk Tray hero and broke my leg in a freefall parachuting accident, but the truth hurts.

"I was in a charity team playing 'pass the ball over your head' in a silly Olympiad to raise money for our village hall in Nottinghamshire when I fell over, breaking two leg bones and an ankle."

Adam, who has a degree in hotel management, has worked as a general manager for Moat House Hotels since 1997. Starting his career at Watford Moat House, he then moved on to Gatwick and Shepperton.

Previously, Adam held various managerial roles working for Forte Hotels.

Now he is in charge of the 214-bedroom hotel with its two dining areas, the Abbey Restaurant and Classics Bar, plus six conference and meeting rooms.

Updated: 11:17 Wednesday, November 10, 2004