A HEREFORDSHIRE school is bidding farewell to its caretaker after more than 20 years of service.

Helen Scotford left Mordiford Primary School on November 26 in order to spend more time with her family and work shorter hours.

She has been caretaker for 21 years, though her connection to the school spans to 29, as her children also attended the school.

The school estimates that during her time, 500 children will have passed through its doors, nearly 4,000 breaktimes will have needed supervision, and more than an estimated 500,000 hot lunches will have been served.

Alongside her duties of cleaning, sorting and locking up the school, she has run the breakfast club, looking after and providing food for early arrivals.

Danika Shaw, chair of the Mordiford School Parents, Teachers and Friends Association, said everyone was hugely grateful for all that Mrs Scotford had done for the Mordiford community.

“Throughout this time Mrs Scotford had contributed to the school with a kind heart, a cheerful smile and a generous spirit. We will really miss her,” she said.

“She will be taking and leaving very fond memories, we wish her all the best with her new ventures and we hope she will be back to see us again.”