AFTER 30 years of service, a St Albans primary school bade a fond farewell to its caretaker.

Trevor Oakley has worked at Oakwood Primary, Oakwood Drive, since 1982.

A special assembly last month gave staff and children a chance to say goodbye to him.

He was presented with a golden broom in recognition of his hard work over the years and children sang Happy Birthday and read poems for him.

Former staff members returned to the school for a farewell party at the end of the day.

“He has made a huge contribution, ” said head teacher Zoe Buckley.

“Sometimes it is only when people go that you realise how much they do. I said at the assembly that I was dreading the first flood and the first snowy day without him.”

Besides his regular duties of maintaining the school grounds, Mr Oakley regularly gave his own time to help out at school events.

During his time at the school, Mr Oakley worked for three different head teachers and saw significant changes to the school including the closure of the swimming pool and the construction of two new Early Years classrooms.

Ms Buckley added: “All staff, parents and children wish him a very happy and much deserved retirement.”