ONE of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School's longest serving staff members is due to retire this month after 35 years of service.

Janette Hinder has worked at the school in Malmesbury as a caretaker since seeing an advert publicising the job, but has gone on to do several roles at the school including gardening and escorting children on the bus run.

The 72-year-old also saw her own children go through the school, with her great-grandson due to start next term.

“I’m getting older and I just decided to call it a day as my great-grandson Jack starts in September and I thought enough is enough,” said Mrs Hinder, of Gastons Road, Malmesbury.

“I love working with children, they keep me young and I enjoy being amongst them and the staff.

“I’m determined I’m not going to cry and I am looking forward to going because I know I have done the right thing.

“I enjoy my garden, it’s definitely a passion, and it’s not been long since I bought a greenhouse so I will be spending my time doing that.

“I hope to pop in to the school with my great-grandson and keep in touch with people.”

Former and current staff will be at the school on Holloway on March 24 for Mrs Hinder’s leaving party.

“She first came to the school when she was four-and-a-half-years-old and eventually joined the school and her role has grown over the last 20 years,” said Linda Byrne, assistant to the business manager at the school.

“She’s a very caring person who really loves meeting everybody and she works really hard.

“We will definitely miss her but we feel it’s time for her to have a rest.”