The Premier paid tribute last night to an iconic former bell captain at one of Bermuda’s hotels, who has died.

Shirley Hunt, who worked at Elbow Beach Hotel for nearly 60 years, was regarded as one of the island’s leading tourism ambassadors.

David Burt said: “Bermuda’s tourism history was written by iconic figures like Shirley Hunt. For six decades he welcomed kings and celebrities, sports stars and locals with his customary warmth and dignity.”

Mr Hunt joined Elbow Beach in the late 1950s as a night man and relief switchboard operator, and became a bell captain in 1968.

He received a Queen’s Certificate and Queen’s Badge of Honour in the 2008 New Year Honours List, before retiring in 2015.

The Premier said: “As Elbow’s bell captain he set the tone for every guest’s stay at the hotel and his service was rightly honoured with a Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.

“We salute his outstanding service to tourism and offer sincerest condolences to his wife, children and family.”