A FORMER waiter at The Castle at Taunton has returned to the prestigious hotel to take one of the top jobs there.

New general manager Ronan Hunter spent three years at The Castle from 2003 before moving on to land a series of plum jobs in some of the UK's finest establishments, including Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck, in Bray, and the 5-star Celtic Manor Resort.

He said: "I’m delighted to return to The Castle, particularly in the year the Chapman family will be celebrating 70 years as custodians of this landmark hotel in Taunton.

"The Castle has always been renowned for its standards of hospitality and commitment to sourcing and using local produce, which is as important today as ever in our kitchens.

"I very much look forward to continuing in these fine traditions."

Nick Chapman, chairman of the Castle Hotel, said: "We are delighted to have appointed Ronan as general manager.

"He retains the core values of true hospitality and service.

"It is an amazing story that he has returned to the hotel after spending the early years of his career here.

"He already knows several members of our team and is excited to be back in Taunton, getting to know all our customers.

"We much look forward to an exciting new chapter for our family business."