CHILDREN and staff at Barker's Lane Community School have said a great big thank you to their caretaker for looking after the school for 25 years.
Yvonne Williams said she didn't want any fuss about clocking up her silver anniversary but the staff made a secret collection and took her, and her husband Trevor, for a surprise night out at a rest-aurant. The children, parents and staff presented her with gift vouchers and flowers and she had many good wishes from friends and colleagues.
Helen Andrews, headteacher at the school, said: 'We appreciate all the work Yvonne and Trevor do to keep our school a clean, safe and warm place for the children and staff.
'Yvonne began working as caretaker on December 17, 1979, and has seen many changes over the years.
'When she first began, the school was much smaller. Now she has the teaching areas, cloakrooms, offices and all the paths and playgrounds in the extensive grounds to look after.
'She is 100% reliable and gives so much of her own time to look after us.'
Eileen Hughes, chair of governors, said: 'We are very grateful to Mrs Williams, who was excellent during the re-build of the school. We look forward to many more years of Mrs Williams caring for our school.'
Yvonne was delighted and said: 'I would like to say a special thank you to all the parents and friends of the school who contributed to my gift.'
