SALES manager Judy Murray, regarded as the welcoming face of Leeds Castle, is retiring after 14 years at "the loveliest castle in the world".

Mrs Murray, 60, from Ingles Road, Folkestone, joined the Kent castle staff as a sales executive to promote corporate banqueting and group bookings. She was promoted to sales manager in 1993.

After training in the hotel industry as a front-of-house manager in Canada, she returned to England and moved into travel and tourism sales.

She said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my work at Leeds Castle. I have been working since I left school so it's going to be nice to have time to pursue my own interests."

Now she hopes to take a history of art course and explore different parts of the world and has already booked a trip to America.

Sales and marketing director Sandra Barrett said: "Judy has made a big impact at Leeds Castle and during her time here our residential conference, meeting and banqueting business has grown substantially. She will be missed."