AFTER 21 years of dedication to keeping a north Hampshire school spick and span, a popular school caretaker has wrung out her mop for the final time.

Joyce Dixon, who retired last Friday, began working at Cliddesden Primary School, Cliddesden, in 1986, when the toilets were still outside and central heating had yet to be installed.

But whatever the year or decade, the 69-year-old, who runs the nearby Greenland Nurseries with her husband Joe, has never shown anything other than pride in her work and a determination to see the school look its best.

The grounds, in particular, have benefited from her green-fingered touch and she has helped the school win the Basingstoke in Bloom school award on several occasions.

Mrs Dixon has recently purchased a motor home and says she intends to spend some of her retirement "exploring Britain and enjoying the good life".

She added: "I will miss the school, staff and children, but I live in the area so I will probably be popping around all the time."

Headteacher Mandy Harrison paid tribute to her colleague, saying she had been a good friend to both her and the school.

"Joyce has always been happy to come to work come rain, snow, sleet or shine," she said.

"She always has a cheery smile on her face and does it all for the love of the many hundreds of children who have walked through the door."