Till trouble? No, it's a surprise party

Having finished for the day and gone home he was lured back on the pretext there was something wrong with the till.

Around 100 family, friends and work colleagues were waiting for him with champagne and presents to mark the momentous occasion of his departure.

Owner James Kimber said: "He was totally shocked when we got him in there - all the staff past and present, friends and family. He was very shocked when he walked in and there were a few tears.

"All the current staff were there and we invited staff from many years ago who used to work at the hotel to help see him off. There were even family members from Spain including some surprise ones he wouldn't expect to see.

"We had a cake for him, and we had a disco with a beautiful buffet which had a whole salmon, and champagne.

"There was a presentation from me, an envelope containing an undisclosed cheque, and the staff all clubbed together and bought flowers for Jose his wife, and gave him a flying lesson - he has always wanted to fly a plane, so he has a flying lesson, and he can also take two passengers up with him, who will be his wife and daughter Sonia.

"He was also given a canvas of Bexhill, looking out to sea, and an England football shirt."

Felix said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in organising the party including James, Lesley and Fleur Kimber and especially Jenny Undasen for all her hard work.

"It was an amazing evening and the biggest surprise of my life so thanks to everyone who came, making such an effort and joining me in the celebrations to make it such a memorable occasion - so many old work colleagues it was like a hotel reunion. It was a really special and emotional night full of so many surprises and a real dream come true.

"The Cooden Beach Hotel has been such a massive part of my life and to get such a spectacular sending off was truly magical and something I will never forget. I will really miss everyone including all the regular customers who have been so kind to me over the years.

"Thanks again to everyone for making it so special and I look forward to having my flying lesson!"

James said: "Felix does the work of two men - he is our little dynamo. He is always there for every wedding, and Christmas, every major function, to make sure everything is alright. He is loved by the staff - he will be sorely missed."