Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns tried his hand at three hotel jobs during recent a fact-finding visit to The Bear Hotel in Cowbridge.

Directors Julian and Freddie Hitchcock, told Mr Cairns how soaring energy bills, on top of other rising costs, was impacting very hard on the group.

Mr Cairns said he would pass on the concerns of the businesses to the Treasury and said the sector was vital to the economic future growth of the Vale of Glamorgan area. The Bear is part of the Town and Country Collective group of hotels and restaurants.

"This industry is a main driver of the economy in towns and villages across the Vale and Wales and it is vital we all try and help them as much as possible to survive in yet more very challenging times for the sector," said Mr Cairns.

During his visit, he tried out several of the jobs at the hotel to help promote the wide variety of work and career opportunities on offer. He pulled a pint, helped executive chef Tom Bowsher to plate up a menu special and sat in on a management meeting.

"A career in hospitality offers a job for life, transferable skills and rapid promotion and I hope more people of all ages will give it a try and find their niche," he said.