IT was the end of an era at Northallerton's Broomfield School on Friday.

After a special assembly, caretaker Shirley Caisley has retired after nearly 20 years' service.

And head teacher Heather Thom admitted: "She will be a very hard act to follow."

Mrs Caisley worked at county hall and the grammar school before moving to the Broomfield primary.

Her job has involved tasks such as opening and locking up, replacing towels, cleaning windows and polishing the floors.

Now 64, she lives in Northallerton. Her husband, Norman, is a retired police officer and the couple have three children and eight grandchildren.

Two of Mrs Caisley's children were pupils at Broomfield and now grand-daughter Holly is there.

In her new leisure time, she wants to do some more gardening.

She is also looking forward to making her fourth trip to Australia to see her sister in Perth.