JOHN Minto has seen nearly 2,000 children come and go from Workington's St Michael's Nursery and Infant School.

He will retire today from his janitor role which he has held for 27 years in total, working with five headteachers.

The school's Emma Gregory said: "John has worked tirelessly to maintain the two buildings of our Victorian school and has faced the most adverse weather conditions whilst carrying out all of our school duties from taking out the trade waste bins to hanging countless banners across our school railings.

"His artistic skills will be missed greatly as his life-size Michael Bear figures decorate the entire school. Over the years he has built up a rapport with all our school visitors and was on first name terms with the postman and milkman, so much so he knew their shift patterns!

"Nothing was too much trouble for John and he regularly opened up the school during holidays for staff or workmen. His leaving will be the end of an era and he will be greatly missed by all staff and children."