AFTER 33 years as a porter at one of York's premier hotels, Aubyn Hurrell must have seen some interesting sights. Hotels are a haven for trysts and secrets, and what was the Royal York, now Le Mridien, will have witnessed its fair share.

True to the hotel worker's code of discretion, however, Aubyn is keeping his counsel.

A quiet retirement away from the hustle and gossip of hotel life beckons. After walking 80,000 miles of hotel corridor, Aubyn has earned the right to put his feet up.

Updated: 10:57 Tuesday, June 25, 2002