PUPILS from St Thomas's Primary School in Bury have given a fond farewell to their favourite caretaker Derick Isherwood.

Mr Isherwood, of George Road, Ramsbottom, retired from the Pimhole Road school after eight years and now plans to spend his retirement years enjoying ballroom dancing, bowling, walking and gardening.

Staff at the school held a celebratory buffet to mark his retirement.

Children presented a special assembly where, after giving him some homemade cards, they recalled their favourite memories of the caretaker and his funny quips and jokes.

Mr Isherwood (65) admits he will miss the children the most and described his job as "the perfect way to finish working"

He said: "I will miss the atmosphere and the staff were very nice and made me feel part of a team, but it is the children I will miss the most. I loved talking to the kids and all the funny things they used to say or do."

Headteacher Mr Leroy Taylor added: "All the staff will miss having Derick around and the children will especially miss him because he was really good with them and made them laugh."