Les McKnight retired after 18 years as caretaker of Black Combe School at Millom in 1988. 

At morning assembly pupils presented him with a silver tankard, a Swiss pocket knife and several dozen cards, all hand-made by pupils with messages of love and best wishes for a happy retirement.

The same morning the cleaning staff presented him with a carriage clock.

RACE: A close finish in a 100m race at Black Combe School’s sports day in 1988

RACE: A close finish in a 100m race at Black Combe School’s sports day in 1988

And when later the school broke up for Easter, all the school staff met in the staff room for drinks and presented Mr McKnight with a gold watch.

His wife, Minnie, who had retired 18 months previously, after 16 years as a cleaner, was presented with a bouquet of red carnations.

Mr McKnight said he felt a great sadness at leaving, but he would return for a few more days to help his successor, Brian Nelson, settle in.

Many of the children at the school were children of the school’s first pupils and he had watched them grow up over the years.

He planned to spend his retirement doing some gardening and keeping his part-time job as one of the Millom Cricket Club’s groundsmen.

In 1996 Black Combe School opened a new book with its Silver Jubilee library.

The library had been built at a cost of £7,000 with donations from local companies and fundraising events by the children, who raised £2,100.

SMILES: George Erskime and Ian Cameron. Pictured with some of the models are (from left) Lauren

SMILES: George Erskime and Ian Cameron. Pictured with some of the models are (from left) Lauren

The library, which had been stocked with new books and would include computer facilities, had been moved from its old location and was more spacious.

The library - which celebrated the school's 25th year - was officially opened by director of education John Nellist.

That morning pupils had a book-themed assembly and chairman of governors Betty Savage cut a tape to open the library.

During the day children took part in a bookmark competition.

HANDS UP: Black Combe School performed The Seven Sided Dice in 1995

HANDS UP: Black Combe School performed The Seven Sided Dice in 1995

There was also a special orienteering course, in which children followed a map around school collecting letters, which made up the title of books and the authors' names.