A YORK school caretaker received a huge send-off from staff, pupils and parents this week.

Peter Sanderson was surprised by a This is Your Life-style assembly at Scarcroft Primary School to mark his retirement.

Mr Sanderson, who has worked at the school for more than ten years, was unaware of what teachers and pupils had in store for him after informing them he “didn’t want a fuss”.

His wife had lent the school photographs of Peter from his childhood to the present day, and he was presented with a book of messages about how much he would be missed.

Anna Cornhill, the school head teacher, said: “He knew there was going to be an assembly but he didn’t want a fuss. Peter’s wife came and there was a really good turn-out of parents too, as Peter would always greet them at the door.”

Mr Sanderson, a former painter and decorator, is retiring to spend more time with his family and helping with his new granddaughter.