A JANITOR from Renfrew was set to hang up her brush and shovel in 2009 after 20 years of dedicated service.

Patricia Cassidy worked at Moorpark Primary in various important roles and was now looking forward to a carefree retirement.

The mum-of-three said at the time: “I am happy to be retiring but I will really miss the kids and the staff at the school.

“The best bit about the job was definitely the people and spending time with the pupils every day.

“I’m still living in the janitor’s house on the school grounds until I move, so I will still be able to see all my kids.”

The hugely-popular Renfrew woman started her career as a cleaner in the school before progressing to the role of cleaning supervisor and eventually becoming the janitor.

After decades of hard work, the 62-year-old grandmother admitted she was ready to take a well-deserved break and put her feet up.

She added: “I’ll be spending my time with my husband George, reading and listening to Tom Jones. I’ll also be babysitting my two grandchildren.”

Headteacher at Moorpark Primary, Frances Boyd, paid tribute to hard-working Patricia on behalf of the whole school.

She said: “Pat had the ability to see jobs needing done and got on with them. Nothing was ever too much bother.

“She also had a dry sense of humour. She may be small in stature but she is big on commitment.”

Pat was presented with a watch by the children and enjoyed a farewell lunch with fellow staff members to celebrate her retiral.