A COLLEGE caretaker has locked up for the final time after two decades of service on two sites.

Jamaican-born Lloyd Smith celebrated his 65th birthday on his last day as caretaker by handing over his weighty key fob at Darlington College.

After working at the college for the past 19 years, he said: "The one thing I won't miss about the job is the keys - they were my balance weight, especially at the old college site in Cleveland Avenue, where there were hundreds of them."

Mr Smith, who emigrated to Darlington 46 years ago from Jamaica, is planning to spend more time with his wife, Jacquie, their four children and six grandchildren, and to spend more time fishing.

He said: "I'm looking forward to my retirement and wherever my rod and permit take me.

"It feels a bit like winning the lottery, but with time rather than money.

"I have all this time to do what I want, but I haven't quite worked out exactly what to do with it yet.

"I'm going to miss all my colleagues at the college - the tutors, the directors, everyone.

"I knew near enough all the staff here and they all knew me."

Estates manager at Darlington College Mick Gossage said: "Lloyd has a certain quality that many people don't possess.

"He never got stressed, was always smiling and did a great job for the college.

"He's going to be sorely missed by everyone."