WELL-travelled Richard Smith is back home and looking forward to his new position at the Macdonald Last Drop Village Hotel.

Born and bred in Bolton, where he now lives with his wife Janice and two sons, he has accepted the role of restaurant manager.

After almost 20 years working in Johannesburg where he was employed in human resources management he decided it was time to move on and returned home.

His first job at the hotel was as cocktail and bar manager.

That lasted two months before he accepted his current position.

A keen singer and rhythm and blues fan, he feels the hotel's potential is enormous.

"It is a big step for me but already I m feeling at home," said the 37-year-old.

"It is a very busy hotel and the position presents quite a challenge but that is the way I like it."