Beloved Shrewsbury school caretaker surprised with 425 mini-mes at retirement send-off
A primary school is bidding farewell to its legendary caretaker as he prepares to hang up his broom for the final time.
Described as one of the last "great school caretakers", Leslie Jones, 66, has been the all-round handyman at Coleham Primary School in Shrewsbury for the last 12 years.
Not just known for his painting, decorating, sweeping and football retrieving, Mr Jones has earned a reputation for the starring role he plays in the school's yearly Christmas music videos.
During his time at the Shrewsbury primary, he's embodied - among other things - The Grinch, Simon Cowell, a snowman and James Bond.
The popular videos made by staff and students have attracted thousands of views online, and the Liverpudlian Mr Jones is at the heart of every one of them.
"He's always up for it," said school business manager, Tracy Othen. "He's very popular with the kids and their families, he's become a little bit famous around here."
To celebrate his retirement on Thursday, the school's 425 pupils took a leaf out of his book and surprised Mr Jones by dressing up as the caretaker himself.
"It's wonderful, the whole school is dressed up. Most of them are caretakers but we've got a few snowmen, some Grinches, a couple of James Bonds and lots of Liverpool fans," said Tracy.
The surprise didn't stop at 425 Mr Joneses either, as the children surprised the caretaker with a flash mob at lunchtime.
Tracy added: "It turned into a big party in the playground with Mr Jones in the middle, everyone was going over and hugging him - he was very emotional."
"Coleham School is a special school, we have a laugh here," said Mr Jones, who, despite the tears, said he was looking forward to a quieter life in retirement.
Headteacher Tom Larkham said: "We will all miss Mr Jones very much. He's not just a school caretaker but the last of the great school caretakers, there is no job too big or too small.
"He's the life and soul of the school, taking on various surprise characters to bring joy and laughter to the children. I’m not sure what we’ll do without him."
Pupil, Alex Kennedy, 10, said: "I’m going to miss most the way he puts his wigs on and his big cheesy smile, and the way he pretends to be grumpy around school."
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