STELLA Dowkes can remember when the Black Swan was just a cygnet.

In her 57 years working at the Helmsley hotel she has served royalty, celebrities and all manner of Yorkshire characters with the same grace and charm.

It is mind-boggling to think how many pints and Yorkshire puddings she has dished out since her first day in April, 1946. Now she is looking forward to a relaxing retirement.

Unless, of course, she is hired by hotels as a catering consultant. After all, no one knows more about customer care than Black Swan Stella.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, April 02, 2003