A 61-YEAR-OLD conference porter from Lane End has described his surprise at being shortlisted for a prestigious industry award.

David Pearce, who has lived in Lane End all his life, works as a conference porter at Lane End Conference Centre and has been nominated by the team there for the ‘Unsung Hero’ accolade at the Conference and Hospitality Show (CHS) Awards 2019.

David said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted – but very surprised.

“I started work at Lane End Conference Centre in 1987, and so much has changed since then.

“New buildings have sprung up, overhead projectors have been replaced by data-projectors and Wi-Fi has become something no one can function without, but very little has changed in my job.

“I just make sure I look after the customers and set up the rooms how our customers like it.

“They tell me how they need their room to look and I make sure it is done in the same way every time they return.

“In my view, it’s all about the customers – I love meeting them and seeing them return to Lane End time and again.”

Heni Fourie, sales and marketing director at Lane End Conference Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to see David shortlisted at this year’s CHS Awards.

“David manages to build a level of rapport with our facilitators and trainers that is completely unique, something that most sales people strive to achieve, and I believe this ability comes from his genuine interest in people, his unwavering willingness to help and his kind nature.

“On behalf of everyone here at Lane End Conference Centre, we wish David the very best of luck at the event.”

The award nomination marks the second for Lane End Conference Centre in less than a week, with the site – which turns 50 this year - receiving a place on the shortlist at the Conference Awards 2019.

The CHS Awards will be held at The Royal Armouries in Leeds on Thursday, June 6.

For further information, visit www.chsawards.co.uk