A 34-YEAR association with a Halesowen school for a husband and wife came to an end with their retirement.

Having just turned 65, Len Coley is putting his feet up after 26 years as caretaker at Caslon Primary School.

His wife, Diane, finished her lunchtime supervisor role in May after 23 years and retired after 20 years of cleaning at the school on Friday alongside Len.

The couple, of Meres Road, first became involved at Caslon when their children Julia and Gary were pupils.

They were both supporters of the Parent Teacher Friends’ Association and Diane, aged 61, was a volunteer helper in the nursery for a number of years.

“It was quite a wrench to leave, but we are looking forward to a well-earned rest,” said Diane.

Len added: “I don’t feel any different at the moment. I think it will hit me in a couple of weeks. I will miss the children, they keep you young.”

Deputy headteacher Sharifan Nasa said the pair would be sorely missed.

“Len was a very hard working caretaker and we are missing him already as there was no-one to clear the snow,” she said, adding that a replacement was due to start in the new year.